19 March 2019, Cagayan de Oro City – “More than culture, tourism and adventure, is a community that ensures a nutrition-secured future...” This is what describes most of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, one of the prime movers in nutrition vying for its 2nd Year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Maintenance Award.
The National Nutrition Evaluation Team (NNET) visited the Municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on 11-15 March 2019. Municipal Mayor Clive D. Quiño together with the Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC) members welcome the NET composed of Ms. Alona E. Teo, as the team leader and Ms. April Jasmine May Ducusin, both from the National Nutrition Council; Ms. Azucena R. Banga of San Pablo Apostol Parish-HAPAG-ASA, and Ms. Regina M. Pagaspas from the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute. They were assisted by the NNC Regional Office X led by NPC Gladys Mae S. Fernandez and NO II Liwayway S. Llorico and Mr. Reyno C. Sevilla, Chair of the Provincial Nutrition Evaluation Team (PNET) of Bukidnon Province.
The 4-day NNET validation visit comprised of desk review using the MELLPI Pro tool, presentation of MNC accomplishments and interview with the LNC members. The three (3) sample barangays visited were Sankanan, Santiago and Sto. Niño wherein implementation of nutrition programs, projects, and activities where validated. To determine nutrition program effectiveness, 10% of the total 0-59 months old children underwent validation weighing. The team also visited the zonal/communal gardens in the sample barangays.
The NNET commended the highly functional LNC and innovative and notable programs and initiatives of Manolo Fortich under the strong leadership of Mayor Quiño during the exit conference attended by MNC members, Barangays Chairmen, Barangay Nutrition Committee and Barangays Nutrition Scholars of the sample barangays.
Among the notable initiatives and strengths of Manolo Fortich are:
- The 15 special projects under RQPS (spell out) implemented in all barangays
- Botika ng Bayan/ BnB operators (4th LGU who established nationwide)
- Mobilization of the community by zones (Aktibong Zona)
- Community Leadership and Youth Volunteers Empowerment (CLYVE)
- Community Driven Quality Livelihood Initiative and Volunteerism Enhancement (CDQ LIVE)
- Maintenance of “Utanan sa Tugkaran”
- Provision of school bus for secondary students from their barangay going to nearby barangays with High School.
To receive the 2nd Year CROWN Maintenance Award, an LGU should touch a score of at least 95% based on program efficiency and effectiveness, 20% from validated changes in the nutritional status of preschoolers from sampled barangays visited and Barangay Nutrition Action Plan implemented, and 5% from interview of LNC members.
Mayor Clive D. Quiño expressed his gratitude to the NNET for the feedback for them to know if they are on the right track and what areas that needs improvement in the implementation of their nutrition program. He thanked also the Barangays Chairmen, BNC members and Barangay Nutrition Scholars for their support and astounding performances. He promised that the locality will address the concerns and hopeful that they could make it. “Since the administration of my father who is now the Vice Governor of the Province, we put nutrition and health as priority and really invested a lot in health, nutrition, and education. I am a firm believer and advocate of Millennial Development Goal, if you really want a country and a community to prosper, you have to invest in health and nutrition,” Mayor Quiño concluded. (NO II Liwayway S. Llorico)
