BUTUAN CITY– An Orientation on the Learning Hubs for Enhanced and Revitalized Nutrition (LHEARN Project) in Tandag City was conducted on 22-23 November 2022 at CDRRM Training Hall, Tandag City with members of the City Nutrition Committee attending the activity.

LHEARN is part of the local government unit mobilization strategies of the National Nutrition Council, which is a strategy contributing to the goals and outcomes of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN). The capacity-building platform was developed to facilitate sharing of knowledge and experiences in nutrition program management among local government units (LGU) for improved nutrition called, Learning Hubs for Enhanced and Revitalized Nutrition (LHEARN Project).

Tandag City a component city of the Province of Surigao del Sur, was selected as the region’s pilot LHEARN LGU. The said city has achieved several recognitions such as Seal of Good Local Governance, Ganti sa Kapiskay Award, Healthy Pilipinas for Healthy Communities Award, Green Banner, Green Banner Seal of Compliance and Golden Tarra Award among others.

The first day of the orientation focused on the overview, establishing, and implementation of the LHEARN Project. And on the second day, participants had a workshop in identifying the most effective nutrition programs, formulation of their session outline and on election of LHEARN Team Members and documentation of good practices.

City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO) Reyveen John B. Geli expressed his gratitude to National Nutrition Council for choosing Tandag City as the first LHEARN hub in Caraga region. He promised that they will happily mentor other LGUs and share their knowledge on nutrition program management and will be part of their 2023 workplan.

In his message, OIC NPC Dr. Nino Archie S. Labordo thanked the City Government of Tandag nad the City Nutrition Office for accepting the new role as LHEARN Hub in the region. This will be a big milestone in Caraga, as nearby municipalities can visit and draw inspiration from Tandaag City nutrition program implementation, Dr. Labordo added.

The City Nutrition Committee identified the first 1,000 days implementation- K-ISA project as one of the banner projects which other LGUs can visit and adopt with in Tandag City.

The CNC also identified nutrition policies, building office structure with manpower and inclusion of indigenous people in nutrition programs for possible banner inclusion. DMO II SAMNavarro/NO II LVPVargas