The RDC X Social Development Committee agreed to favorably endorse to the Regional Development Council X a strategy on nutrition improvement in Northern Mindanao as proposed by the National Nutrition Council X. The LGU Mobilization Strategy on Nutrition Improvement in Northern Mindanao will mobilize the seven Nutrition Honor Awardees of Region X to mentor other local government units for positive outcomes in nutrition.

As presented by NNC X NPC Marissa DM. Navales during the November 12 SDC meeting, the LGU Mobilization Strategy will tap performing local government units, through the Local Nutrition Committee (LNC) , to mentor LGUs falling under the following categories: top nutritionally depressed based on the prevalence of undernutrition using the OPT Plus results; OPT Plus coverage of below 50%; LGUs without local nutrition action plan and/or LNC ; LGUs with  LNCs rated as non or partially functional.  A core team composed of at least five (5) members from the LNCs supported by a member of the Regional Technical Working Group will constitute the Mentoring Team.

The strategy will employ a two-pronged mentoring approach - on-site mentoring (theory building and application; learning visits and experiential learning) and on-line mentoring using Facebook as platform.

The Strategy was initially launched during the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held on November 6, 2015 and gained the backing of local chief executives as they pledged commitment and signed the Commitment Form during the ceremony. Prior to the launch, the Regional Nutrition Committee X issued Resolution No. 1 dated June 17, 2015 approving the Strategy and adopting  the guidelines for implementation.

Since 2002, seven local government units of Northern Mindanao were conferred the Nutrition Honor Award, the highest award in nutrition given to local government units with consistent outstanding performance evidenced by continuous decline in the prevalence of malnutrition over six years .  These the Province of Bukidnon and the municipalities of Don Carlos, Quezon, Libona, Kadingilan and the cities of Malaybalay and Ozamiz.

The implementation of the strategy is envisioned to result to significant changes in nutritional outcomes and build a strong foundation for NNC X’s campaign One Region in Nutrition. mdmn