Tandag City- Members of the Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) of the Province of Surigao del Sur and the Nutrition action officers (NAOs) from the different municipalities of the province attended the Program Implementation Review (PIR) on 25 November 2021 at Shacene Hotel and Restaurant, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

The PIR integrated the different programs, projects and activities implemented in 2021 with strategies and innovations employed in compliance with the COVID-19 health protocols.

Unlike in 2019, the Province has been very mobile to different municipalities of the province to provide capacity trainings and seminars to nutrition workers and Local Nutrition Committees However, despite the threat of the pandemic, the Province posted a sustained decrease in malnutrition prevalence.

In her presentation, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) Ms. Ermelinda C. Ascarez shared that the malnutrition prevalence (underweight) significantly declined from 6.76% in 2020 to 3.96% in 2021.

The sustained declined of malnutrition since 2018 is attributed to the strong support of the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur through its project, the distribution of nutripacks to the different municipalities in the province has provided a big contribution mentioned by PNAO Ascarez.

Likewise, PNAO Ascarez relayed that the use of correct and calibrated anthropometric tools coupled with enough capacity development for nutrition workers are necessary in the attainment of its targets for nutrition.

Meanwhile, OIC Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. Nino Archie S. Labordo who happened to attend the meeting inspired the attendees to continue their passion towards working with the vulnerable groups especially the children and mothers. Prioritizing the package of the first 1,000 days program will sustain the gains in combating malnutrition, Dr. Labordo added.

Attended by 18 local government units and members of the PNC, the PIR draw commitment in working for a better nutrition implementation in 2022. #NASLabordo