Surigao City-The Provincial Nutrition Cluster cum Proviincial Nutrition Committee of Surigao del Norte convened for its First Meeting after Typhoon Odette on 8 February 2022 to present the situational report of Surigao del Norte and related activities at the Governor’s Office Lobby, Provincial Capitol, Surigao City.

Dr. Nino Archie Labordo introduced the two Information Management Officers who will be deployed in Surigao Mainland and Siargao Island respectively. He also presented the results of the Nutrition Initial Needs Assessment conducted by the NNC Team in January 2022.

Each member agency provided their updates on the nutrition related services given. Ms. Ruby Lagahit, the Provincial Agriculturist said they have already started distributing vegetable seeds in Siargao and she will find a way that the goat’s milk production of the province will be able to return its operations. This can help provide fresh milk for the supplementary feeding program of children. Dr. Labordo reiterated on the NNC advisory on including fresh products such as fish, egg, vegetables and root crops for those groups who will be providing relief goods to households.

Dr. Arlene Felizarta of the Provincial Health Office shared about the ongoing dental services specially to children as oral health also affects the nutritional status of children. She also informed the committee members that a nutritionist dietician oversees the volunteer groups providing blanket feeding to areas in Siargao. This is to ensure the nutritional value of the food being served to the children.

During the discussions, Mr. Erwin Pingal, DMO IV of the Provincial DOH Office highlighted the urgent need to hire a nutritionist so that the delivery of the nutrition programs will be facilitated. He raised a motion to pass a resolution for immediate hiring of a Provincial Nutritionist Dietician, it was then seconded by the members of the committee.

Dr. Martin Parreno, the Health and Nutrition Specialist of UNICEF also attended the meeting. He emphasized that improving the nutritional status of a child requires a multisectoral approach. He further stated the role of UNICEF during emergency response and how the organization can help in facilitating the delivery of nutrition services to the affected areas.

It was an insightful meeting and the members stated the need for more regular nutrition cluster meetings as this is an opportunity to harmonize the different nutrition services that each agency provides and thereby providing better results to the current nutritional status of the province.

The Meeting was presided over by the Acting Provincial Administrator Atty. Primolito Plaza with the PNC members and the participation of UNICEF and the National Nutrition Council. #APdelPilar