The Regional Technical Working Group of the Regional Nutrition and Anti-Hunger Committee (RTWG-RNAHC) of Zamboanga Peninsula conducted its 1st Quarter Meeting via Google Meet on 21 January 2021. The said activity was presided by Nutrition Program Coordinator Nimfa D. Ekong of the National Nutrition Council Region IX.
Attaining a quorum, the meeting was called to order to discuss these agenda: a.) 5 resolutions for adoption, b.) Interim Guidelines in the conduct of OPT Plus, Nutrition Screening, Growth Monitoring and Promotion Activities in the context of COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Related Disasters, c.) “Tutok Kainan” Supplementation Program, d.) presentation of accomplishments reports by different agencies, and e.) other matters.
The three (3) resolutions were already presented during the 4th Quarter Meeting held last 5 November 2020 via Google Meet namely: 1.) Resolution adopting the Zamboanga Peninsula COVID-19 Regional Recovery Program (RRP) 2020-22 Nutrition Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) to the Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition (RPAN) 2019-2022 as priority PPAs during emergencies; 2.) Resolution adopting RDC Resolution No. 51 series of 2020, entitled “Enjoining Local Government Units to meet the Recommended Coverage Rate of Operation Timbang Plus of at least eighty percent (80%); and 3.) Resolution adopting the New Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro) Tool. Two (2) other newly drafted resolutions were presented by NO III Elton N. Pelegrino namely: 1.) Resolution adopting the 2019 Expanded Nutrition Survey (ENNS) Result of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga City by RNAHC Members to prioritize allocation of budget in their program commitment to families with malnourished children in the remaining implementation of RPAN 2019-2022; and 2.) Resolution adopting the Region IX (R9) Online CARAVAN Project. These resolutions were unanimously approved and seconded.
Thereafter, NO III Pelegrino then presented the Interim Guidelines in the conduct of OTP Plus and other Growth Monitoring and Promotion Activities in the context of COVID-19 pandemic and other related disasters. The memorandum was issued for the purpose of ensuring the continuance of the conduct of growth monitoring and promotion activities while observing the proper health protocols provided by the Department of Health (DOH). NO III Pelegrino also gave a quick presentation for information dissemination on the Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program, which is a dietary supplementary program that aims to contribute to the prevention of stunting among children 0-23 months old by improving the quality and quantity of food and nutrient intake and the use of related ECCD F1K services among nutritionally at-risk pregnant women and children 6-23 months old in the target program areas.
Finally, representatives from the Department of Education, Nutritionist-Dietitian Association of the Philippines- Zamboanga Peninsula Chapter, Western Mindanao State University, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Agrarian Reform, and Department of Science and Technology shared their respective accomplishment reports for the year 2020. The other agencies committed to just e-mail their reports.
The other matters to be discussed, NPC Ekong asked the members of the RTWG-RNAHC if it is possible to conduct the MELLPI Pro virtually and with unanimous decision, the members agreed to do it online but with early prior notice to the concerned local government units to prepare the required documents for submission. Another concern was to conduct the 2nd Quarter Meeting and other activities of RTWG-RNAHC face to face but with consideration to the minimum health (COVID-19) protocols. Lastly, for the RTWG-RNAHC to give recognition to members who are retirees in appreciation for their service contribution as nutrition partners. All agenda were covered without disagreements and members were given copies of the necessary presentations for future references.
AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot
