National Nutrition Council (NNC) IX holds the 1st Quarter Meeting of the Regional Nutrition Cluster (RNC) on 30-31 January 2020 at Cityinn Hotel, Zamboanga City. Representatives of various agencies which are members of the RNC were present and OIC-NPC Nimfa D. Ekong, RND, MDM presided the meeting.
The two-day meeting was filled with comprehensive presentations, introduction of Information Management Tools of the Nutrition Cluster, and exchanges of ideas and suggestions for the betterment of RNC.
Engr. Eduardo T. Lauron, Science Research Analyst of Seismological Observation Earthquake Prediction Division of PHIVOLCS presented the disaster preparedness and explained the different ways how an earthquake is initiated, its effects and relevant data of past earthquakes and tsunamis in the country, specifically in Zamboanga Peninsula. Contrast to the idea of the mass media regarding the ‘Big One’, where a possibility of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake would hit the area of Luzon, Engr. Lauron clarified that the ‘Big One´ is everywhere because of numerous earthquakes with a maximum of 5.0 magnitude happening throughout the country, including possible higher magnitude earthquakes and tsunamis. An earthquake drill was also conducted where the participants were expected to drop, cover, and hold.
The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Experience was presented by Maxel G. Bermas of DOH where he compared the experience of various line agencies during the Zamboanga Siege last 2013 wherein there was confusion as no specific roles and functions given to the agencies resulting to an overlapping of roles and responsibilities.
Among the four (4) quad clusters of health, the NNC leads the Nutrition Cluster. At the local level, the Local Nutrition Committee (LNC) serves as the Local Nutrition Cluster. To all Local Government Units (LGUs), there is a call to organize or reactivate your LNCs in order to be prepared when disaster strikes anytime. In line with this, the six Information Management Tools were briefly discussed and demonstrated by NO II Gabriel C. Tubigon and NO I Zhalimar A. Jakaria-Patulada. These tools will help the RNC to know the nutrition situation in affected areas, and what intervention should the RNC do to assist the affected community.
Nothing is more important than being prepared for unexpected disasters and emergencies. RNC aims to prevent the deterioration of nutritional status of affected population, especially the vulnerable groups through coordinated and effective action in the delivery of nutrition interventions. Therefore, it is best for the members of the RNC to develop their knowledge and skills to enhance the performance in nutrition management through the quarterly meetings of the RNC. (AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot)
