BUTUAN CITY – Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development- Caraga in coordination with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga conducted an Orientation on Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) to members of the Technical Working Group on December 1-2, 2022 at the Leader's Hall, DOH CHD Caraga Office, Butuan City.

Assistant Regional Director, Dr. Sadaila K. Rakiin graced the opening ceremony and shared to participants that as public servants, collaboration and working together is an important aspect to combat all forms of malnutrition.

Meanwhile, Senior Program Officer Josephine Jade of the DOH Central Office served as resource speaker and presented the: Basis of the Project Design, PMNP: Elements of Convergence Approach, PMNP Implementation Processes, LGU Mobilization, Regional Program Management Office including the Monitoring and Evaluation.

Further, Dr. Nino Archie S. Labordo of NNC Caraga shared the Updated Guidelines on Local Nutrition Planning. The discussion focused on the background, objectives, scope of application, and how is local nutrition planning in terms of importance, timing, and mobilization.

To ensure the smooth preparation and implementation of the project, DOH CHD Caraga Nutrition Program Manager, Ms. Teresita Lina Medrano shared the 2023 operational plan. The major activities identified include the establishment of the Regional PMNP, social mobilization and the management of the project.

PMNP is a loan from World Bank amounting to $178.1-million (about ₱9.7 billion) which will help boost the country’s efforts against malnutrition. It is expected to support the provision of nutrition and healthcare services in primary care and community levels among 235 municipalities with high poverty and malnutrition incidence.

Particularly, the PMNP aimed (1) increase the utilization of a package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions; and (2) improve key health behaviors and practices known to reduce stunting in targeted local government units.

Present during the orientation were from: National Nutrition Council Caraga Region, DSWD Caraga , Provincial DOH Surigao del Sur representative and DOH Nutritionist-Dietitians assigned in Surigao del Sur. #NASLabordo