BUTUAN CITY - In an effort to accelerate the improvement of the nutrition situation in the region, the National Nutrition Council Caraga conducted a three-day workshop entitled Planning Workshop on Integrating Nutrition in the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP), Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), and Local Development Investment Programs (LDIP) for Local Government Units in the Provinces of Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur on October 12 -14, 2022 at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City.

The planning workshop was attended by the nutrition planning core group from the different LGUs which is composed of Nutrition Action Officer, Municipal Health Officer, Municipal Budget Officer, Planning and Development Coordinator and Officer, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), and some Municipal Administrators.

UNICEF Philippines Nutrition Cluster Coordinator, Ms. Kristine Angeli Gimongala, shared during her welcome message that LGUs should learn many things from the planning workshop and consider integrating nutrition in the different developmental plans.

Included in the inputs of the workshop is the topic on the importance on nutrition and the compelling reasons why there is a need to give high priority to nutrition and made significant investment in nutrition. The discussion was further illustrated with strategies on how to effectively prevent and minimize occurrences of stunting in the country.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Local Government Operation Officer VI, Ms. Wilivie C. Diola, shared on the Local Nutrition Committee functionality. Ms. Diola emphasized that it shall carry the following functions: capacity development; strengthening the LNC; conduct of nutritional assessment; formulate the Local Nutrition Action Plan; resource generation and mobilization; delivery of nutrition and related services; and monitoring and evaluation.

As an output, the LGU presented a draft three-year Local Nutrition Action Plan with components on: priority development challenges; nutrition situation analysis; mission, vision, goals and targets, identified prioritized programs, projects and activities and monitoring and evaluation.

A re-entry plan was also developed, including measures to implement the LNAP and secure its incorporation into the different development plans.

Joining the workshop, funded by UNICEF Philippines are the three (3) provinces, three (3) cities; and (13) municipalities of Caraga region.#GASaromines