On May 19, 2022, the National Nutrition Council IX (NNC9) conducted the 1st Semester Regional Coordination Meeting with the Nutrition Action Officers (NAOs) at Hotel Guillermo, Pagadian City (also, via Google Meet). The activity was participated face-to-face by forty (40) NAOs and fifteen (15) online participants together with some Local Nutrition Program Coordinators. The meeting highlighted the presentation of the new Guidelines for the Use of the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro) tools for LGUs and LNFPs, the 2022 Nutrition Month Theme and Campaign Strategies, and the upcoming MELLPI Pro activities.
The new guidelines on the use of the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro) were discussed by RNPC Ekong. She explained the rationale, objectives, and key features of MELLPI Pro for LGUs and Local Nutrition Focal Points. The National Nutrition Council, as the highest policy-making and coordinating body for nutrition thoroughly monitors and appraises the progress of the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) at various levels. This is done using various monitoring activities such as mid-term assessment at the national level, annual program implementation review, and Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) at regional and LGU levels.
The Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro) has been designed to monitor and evaluate (M&E) the performance of the local government units (LGUs) and Local Nutrition Focal Points (LNFPs) in promoting nutrition security vis-à-vis nutrition outcomes. It is conducted at least once a year and it has been used as the M&E tool for LGUs in the national, regional, and local levels. Results of the MELLPI Pro aim to guide policy and decision-makers to enhance nutrition products, services, and delivery systems towards improved effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. The MELLPI Pro can be described in four P’s: Protocol, Promotive, Progressive, and more Professional.
Thereafter, PNFP-ZDS Ms. Marie-Claire Gaas discussed the 2022 Nutrition Month Theme and Campaign Strategies. The chosen nutrition month theme this year is “New normal na nutrisyon, sama-samang gawan ng solusyon”. By the virtue of Presidential Decree 491 also known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, the month of July has been designated as the Nutrition Month for the “purpose of creating greater awareness among our people on the importance of nutrition.” Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic is characterized by volatility and uncertainty. Thus, we must continue delivering the most efficient and effective programs and services. The nutrition month campaign calls for a collective effort to improve nutrition as we move forward to a better new normal. Mainly, it aims to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition in building resilience and recovery from the pandemic; stimulate discussions among stakeholders on how to build back better the design, delivery, and scale-up of nutrition interventions; and engage various sectors and the public in activities that promote nutrition.
The key messages of the Nutrition month theme are 1. Good nutrition is key to building immunity, protecting against illness and infection, and supporting recovery. Efforts to preserve and promote proper nutrition must be part of the pandemic resilience strategies; 2. Promote and adopt health-enhancing nutrition behaviors including consumption of sustainable healthy diets; 3. Call for continued solidarity to support food and nutrition security, especially for the most vulnerable; 4. Expand multi-sectoral engagements to scale-up nutrition interventions; and 5. Strengthen leadership and governance in nutrition across all levels.
With this, NNC suggests partners for the issuance of memo circulars for the participation, dissemination of information about Nutrition Month (streamers, social media posting), conduct of webinars, fora on nutrition, formulate Local Nutrition Action Plans aligned with the new PPAN, establish local nutrition office with plantilla positions, and join the Scaling-up Nutrition (SUN) Movement.
Coordination has been proven to be an effective means of enabling all concerned members and program components to work together harmoniously and effectively in every organization and program. Such gatherings are extremely beneficial in keeping partners up to date on the nutrition program while adapting to the new normal. With this, NNC9 will continue to use all available means to provide relevant information and technical assistance to the LGUs and LNFPs to Champion Nutrition.
PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas
NO I Ayesa Gay Bejerano
