18 October 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – In support to the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program (TK DSP), the National Nutrition Council (NNC) X organized the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) for the First 1000 Days (F1K) Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG).
Conducted last 15 October 2021, a meeting was held to gather the identified RTWG member agencies who will provide support and technical assistance during the implementation of the program. NNC X Nutrition Program Coordinator (NPC) Gladys Mae S. Fernandez presided over the meeting.
The ECCD F1K-RTWG is comprised of eight (8) select agencies, namely, the regional offices of Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
The agenda of the meeting were: 1) ECCD F1K-RTWG Roles and Functions, 2) TK DSP updates in the Provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte, 3) presentation of draft Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) Resolution on the creation of ECCDF1K-RTWG, and 4) other matters.
NPC Fernandez presented the roles and functions of the ECCD F1K-RTWG, followed by the presentation of program updates in the Provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte by NNC X's Provincial Nutrition Focal Points, Mr. Gwyn Y. Balaba and Ms. Lizelle L. Bete, respectively. Sheena Marie Talle, Nutrition Officer III, also shared the draft Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) resolution on the creation of the ECCD F1K-RTWG for the body’s endorsement to the RNC, of which the body unanimously approved. The proposed resolution will be presented during the joint RNC 2nd semester meeting that will be held on 19 October 2021.
Prior to the meeting's formal conclusion, summary of concerns and agreements reached were relayed by PNFP Balaba.
In summary, the meeting was participated with equally passionate people aiming to address the fight over malnutrition especially in the first 1000 days of life. The Regional Technical Working Group will help focus (tutukan) on the implementation and oversee the existing laws, and guidelines of the program. (PNFP Gwyn Y. Balaba)
