25 March 2019, Cagayan de Oro City – The Province of Misamis Occidental inches closer to nutrition awards given by the National Nutrition Council as the province underwent validation visit by the National Nutrition Evaluation Team last 18-22 March 2019.
Misamis Occidental is vying for the First Year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Maintenance Award after being hailed as CROWN awardee in 2018 for being the outstanding province in the region for three (3) consecutive years.
The CROWN award is to be maintained for two (2) consecutive years for a local government unit to achieve the Nutrition Honor Award (NHA), which is the highest award given to an LGU by NNC to date.
The following NET members conducted validation visit in the province: Ms. Racelline Faye D. Calangi, Team Leader, NNC, Ms. April Jasmine May C. Ducusin, NNC and Ms. Dorothy Camille M. Detabali of NEDA. NNC Regional Office X through NPC Gladys Mae S. Fernandez and NO II Sheena Marie G. Talle provided assistance to the NET.
The week-long activity commenced with a courtesy call to Misamis Occidental Governor and Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) Chairperson Herminia M. Ramiro and Provincial Administrator Atty. Ricardo M. Lumantas, followed by draw lots of three (3) sample municipalities, presentation of PNC accomplishments by PNAO Marichu G. Tijing and interview of the PNC members with the NET. On the afternoon of the first day, the NET proceeded with the desk review of Misamis Occidental PNC documents using the old MELLPI tool and the MELLPI Pro.
The following were the three (3) sample municipalities and the corresponding barangays visited, which were determined through draw lots:
1. Tudela, Misamis Occidental – 19 March
a. Five (5) barangays visited: Cabol-anonan, Canibungan Proper, Casilak-San Agustin, Napurog & Yahong
2. Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental – 20 March
a. Four (4) barangays visited: Bagumbang, Baybay, Bolinsong & Pisaan
3. Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental – 21 March
a. Four (4) barangays visited: Eastern & Western Poblacion, Katipa, & Molatuhan Alto
During the visit to the sample municipalities and barangays, courtesy calls were done to the local chief executives, local nutrition committees presented their 2018 accomplishments and interviewed by the NET including desk review of documents Validation weighing of the 10% of the total population of 0-59 months old children per barangay was also done.
On the last day, exit conference was done and was attended by Provincial Administrator Atty. Ricardo M. Lumantas, PNC members, MNAOs and select MNC members of the municipalities evaluated. Team Leader Faye Calangi presented the initial findings of strategies and interventions, recommendations and radial diagram.
In response to the findings and recommendations presented, select representatives from the PNC and each municipality were invited to share their words of commitment, of which Tudela MHO Wynona Vega said, “Investing in nutrition is a solid foundation in building a strong community.” PNAO Tijing also conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to the PNC, the municipalities and the rest of the nutrition workforce in the province for staying true to their vision and commitment, “One Province in Nutrition”, despite the challenges that emerged and the constraints encountered in managing and implementing the nutrition programs.
The province will be graded based on program efficiency and effectiveness (55%), average municipal score (40%) and interview (5%). Misamis Occidental shall receive the First Year CROWN Maintenance Award should the province achieve a score of at least 90%. (NO II Sheena Marie G. Talle)
