BUTUAN CITY - The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga led by Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. Nino Archie S. Labordo, lobbied Tutok Kainan implementation in the municipalities of Dapa and General Luna, Surigao del Norte during its courtesy visit on 1-2 February 2023.

The 2-day visit discussed the Tutok Kainan- Dietary Supplementation Program (TK-DSP) for pregnant women and its memorandum of understanding with expounding messages on the adoption and implementation of the First 1000 days (F1KD) program.

Mayor Elizabeth Matugas of the Municipality of Dapa, together with the local nutrition committee members particularly Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, Ronel Almaden, Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Airish Baula, and Municipal Agriculture Officer, Dr. Jovito S. Gambong were acquainted with the project components and overview of the TK-DSP along with the roles and responsibilities of parties involved.

Dr. Gambong shared the presence of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) and other civic organizations in the municipality as potential suppliers of commodities of the program.

Likewise, the team visited the Municipality of General Luna on 2 February 2023. Present during the meeting are the planning core team members.

Mayor Sol Matugas was represented by Municipal Consultant on Health Dr. Arlene Felizarta, Executive Assistant Ms. Arlene Tongco, MHO/MNAO designate Dr. Timothy Jordan Manalang with the MA Lelis Traya, MPDO Catherine Ravelo, and MSWDO Dave Francis Plaza.

In the meeting, Dr. Labordo shared the nutrition situation of the municipality, and was followed by the orientation of the TK-DSP project components and MOU with the local government unit.

Upon discussion, MNAO Manalang informed the group that mobilization is already being organized for the adoption and implementation of F1KD in the municipality.

Moreover, Dr. Felizarta shared that the municipality is mobilizing the implementation of the F1KD service packages including the integration of nutrition-sensitive programs and the development of localized versions of information materials.

The meeting ended with assurance from Ms. Tongco that the discussion will be relayed to Mayor Sol Matugas.

The visits served as an avenue for advocating and investing in the first 1000 days of life as channeled in the implementation of Tutok Kainan- Dietary Supplementation for pregnant women.

Dr. Labordo was joined by NNC staff, Development Management Officer II, Marie Angelie S. Fernandez, focal for the TK-DSP in Siargao Island and Project Development Officer I Vence Cywin A. Aquino.

TK-DSP is NNC’s contribution to the prevention of stunting among children by improving the quality and quantity of food and nutrient intakes along with the utilization of related ECCD-F1KD services among nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women and children 6-23 months. #MAFernandez