Eleven (11) members of the Regional Nutrition Cluster (RNC) and Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) convened for the 1st Quarter Joint Meeting of the Regional Nutrition Cluster and Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team on 19 February 2021, 9AM at Zamboanga Seafood House, Zamboanga City, with strict observance of the proper health protocols such as wearing of face masks, face shields, and observing social distancing.
National Nutrition Council Region IX’s (NNC IX) Nutrition Program Coordinator Nimfa D. Ekong called the meeting to order and welcomed the participants. In her welcome message, she thanked the members for sparing their precious time to join the meeting as this is their first time to meet face to face after almost a year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The meeting was called to order for the purposes of presentation and discussing the following: a) Overview of the Regional Nutrition Cluster; b) Presentation of the Resolution Organizing the Regional Nutrition Cluster and Reorganization of the Regional Nutrition Cluster; c) Reorientation on IYCF and E.O. 51; d) Organization of the IYCF Team and CARAVAN Team; e) MELLPI Pro Concerns; and f) Reiteration of DOH and NNC Nutrition Cluster Advisories.
With the agenda of the meeting approved and seconded, Nutrition Officer III of NNC IX Mr. Elton N. Pelegrino presented the Overview of the Regional Nutrition Cluster. He presented the Humanitarian Program Cycle and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Experience, Major players in the Philippine DRRM and the role of Nutrition Cluster.
Thereafter, the members decided that there is no need to make a resolution for the organization and reorganization of RNC. However, as per reference to the DOH Department Personnel Order 2007-2492-A, a resolution to reactivate the cluster with the involvement of DRRMO is necessary in order to take command during emergencies.
Ms. Evelyn M. Capistrano of Department of Health CHD IX reoriented the members on the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and Executive Order No. 51 (EO 51). With this, the members agreed that resolutions should be drafted organizing the Regional Maternal, Infant and Young Child Care Committee (MIYCCC) and the CARAVAN Team. The members of which are also the members of the RNC.
During the meeting, Ms. Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot of NNC IX reiterated the NNC Nutrition Cluster Advisories, to wit: a) Nutrition Cluster Guidelines on LGU Nutrition Actions Relative to COVID-19; b) Recommendations on Food Packs for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers and 6-23 months Children; and c) Nutrition Cluster Recommendations on Healthful and Nutritious Family Food Packs and Sustainable Food Sources.
The meeting ended at 3:00 in the afternoon. Truly, it is still different to conduct a face-to-face meeting. While all concerns can be easily addressed and everyone participates. One will not think about the problem of poor or loss of internet connection and loss of power. Now that face-to-face meetings are allowed by the LGU of Zamboanga City, provided that we secure a permit and follow the health protocols, NNC IX hopes that more face-to-face meetings and other related activities will be conducted.
AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot
