On November 11, 2020, dovetailed to the launching of the 1st ever Region 9 Online CARAVAN project, an online joint meeting for regional federation officers of the Nutrition Action Officers (NAOs), District/City/Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinators (D/C/MNPCs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) was conducted via google meet. A total of 25 officers of the three (3) federations were able to meet online and each federation was given designated breakout room to discuss each of their agenda.
For the federation of Nutrition Action Officers, vice-president Ms. Jesielyn O. Puno of Isabela City presided the meeting since the federation’s president Dr. Ricardo S. Awit expressed his regrets that he cannot attend the meeting due to other commitments relative to his position as Municipal Health Officer. Initially, the agenda of the meeting includes reorganization of regional federation of NAOs along with the status in the integration of nutrition to 2021 AIP and discussion of local ordinances on nutrition and harmonization of nutrition program or activities during COVID-19 pandemic protocols and guidelines. However, due to lack of attendance to constitute a quorum, the first agendum which was the reorganization of NAOs federation was postponed. Nevertheless, the rest of the agenda were tackled.
On the other hand, federation of D/C/MNPCs’ meeting was presided by the federation’s president Ms. Rowina R. Pagotaisidro of Zamboanga City. Matters discussed during their meeting were replanning of activities that can be undertaken during pandemic like nutrition education classes through a radio program, next is their plan to solicit support of NAOs and D/C/MNPCs for the BNSs to receive same incentives that Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) were receiving during pandemic and the remaining funds of the organization.
Lastly, Region 9 BNSs federation meeting was headed by the federation’s president Ms. Ma. Nancy M. Yancha of Roseller T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay, in which she discussed with the other officers the different actions or services provided by the BNSs during COVID-19 such as providing assistance to locally stranded individuals (LSI) and the distribution of food packs to the residents undergoing home quarantine. Additionally, members also shared their sentiments on the difficulty they encountered with the internet connection that is badly needed especially during conduct of virtual meetings, trainings and other activities requiring virtual attendance.
Since only the BNS Regional Federation was able to attain numerous attendances, the rest of the Regional Federations committed themselves and decided to set a separate schedule of convergence dedicated only to their respective federation to ensure adequate number, if not complete attendance. This will also facilitate an in-depth discussion of all concerns that need to be addressed by the group.
NO I Angelica O. Pajulas
