Region X

Details: Category: Region 10; Published: 21 July 2021

Final LDN AIP Workshop Infographics 20 July 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – Select Lanao del Norte Areas with their local planning teams successfully completed the Online Workshop on Integrating Nutrition in the Annual Investment Program (AIP) 2022. The online AIP 2022 workshop for batch 2 commenced last 12-14 July 2021. This was facilitated by National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region X and attended by the following LGUs: Kolambugan, Magsaysay, Matungao, Nunungan, Salvador, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Tagoloan, and Tubod.

One of the objectives of the online AIP workshop is for the LGUs to scale-up nutrition actions with corresponding budgets in their 2022 AIP, based on the priorities of their updated Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), Local Development Investment Program (LDIP), and Local Nutrition Action Plan (LNAP) with focus on the first 1000 days; factoring the ongoing and post- pandemic situation.

Details: Category: Region 10; Published: 20 July 2021

ARTICLE Manolo Fortich F1K Programs 2021NM Conference 19 July 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – The local government unit of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, together with three other LGU representatives around the country, were given the chance to introduce their best practices on the implementation of First 1000 Days (F1K) programs and activities. This was held last 15-16 July 2021, during the 2021 Nutrition Month Conferenceorganized by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in partnership with UNICEF. The virtual conference served as venue to discuss and disseminate relevant updates on addressing malnutrition among various stakeholders.

Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Christy Marie V. Alsado of Manolo Fortich acted as one of the panelists in the Day 2 Panel Discussion entitled “One Step Back, Two Steps Forward: Scaling Up the First 1000 Days Program”, facilitated by Ms. Aya Escober of the Department of Health. MNAO Alsado sat on the discussion with Tandag CNAO Reyveen Geli, Bacoor City BNS Hazelaine Quiambao, and BNS Shirley Falcon of Antique.

During the discussion, MNAO Alsado proudly highlighted the best practices of the F1K-QUINO Program (First 1000 Days-Quest for Unified and Innovative Nutrition Opportunities) to more than 1,500 Zoom and Facebook Live participants around the country:

Details: Category: Region 10; Published: 19 July 2021

REVISED Infographics National Disaster and Resilience Month Aside from the annual celebration of the Nutrition Month every July, the National Disaster Resilience Month is also observed throughout the country by virtue of Executive Order No. 29, s. 2017. This year we are guided by the theme “Tamang Pamamahala’t Kahandaan, Kaalaman at Pagtutulungan sa Sakuna at Pandemya’y Kalasag ng Bayan”. The theme emphasizes the significant role of disaster risk governance and the collaboration of all Filipinos to overcome the challenges of this pandemic and to build a green and resilient normal (NDRRMC, 2021).

One of the efforts of the government in response to emergencies and disasters is the cluster approach which was officially adopted by the Philippines in 2007; with its adoption some functions have been permanently integrated into government agencies which includes sectoral coordination mechanisms, with a mandate to address both emergency response and preparedness. These mechanisms are referred to nationally as ‘clusters’ which focuses on preparedness in normal times and respond to all emergencies when they hit. Under the Health Cluster, the Nutrition Cluster is spearheaded by the National Nutrition Council with UNICEF as co-lead agency. Nutrition Cluster was also organized in the seventeen regions by the NNC Regional Offices, which also provide technical support to Local Nutrition Committees who also serve as the Local Nutrition Clusters during emergencies.

Details: Category: Region 10; Published: 19 July 2021

Article Ongoing Search for Region 10 Outstanding Focal Points 19 July 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) is currently conducting monitoring and evaluation (M & E) activities, including the Search for the Regional Outstanding Local Nutrition Focal Points. This began in 7 June 2021. A mix of face-to-face and online evaluations were done by the RNET, depending on the quarantine restrictions of the local government unit (LGU).

This year marks the maiden evaluation for Nutrition Action Officers (NAOs), and District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators (D/CNPCs), following the postponement of M & E activities in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) have been evaluated long before, as early as 1996.

LGUs, focal points and RNET alike were quick to adjust to the virtual conduct of M & E activities. An advisory was also issued on how to facilitate such virtual activities, particularly the evaluation for BNSs. For the face-to-face evaluations held, the RNET and the LGU made sure to follow the minimum health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Details: Category: Region 10; Published: 09 July 2021

NM 2021 article Presidential Decree 491 (1974) or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines mandated that the annual campaign of Nutrition Month held every July to create greater awareness among Filipinos on the importance of nutrition. The same law mandates as the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to lead and coordinate the nationwide campaign.

This year’s theme: “Malnutrisyon patuloy na labanan, First 1000 days tutukan!” calls for continued actions to address malnutrition using the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) as guide in promoting proper nutrition during the First 10000 days of life. The objectives of this campaign are 3Es: 1) educate – increase the understanding of the first 1000 days of life strategy and the PPAN as the overall framework; 2) encourage – facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders for scaled-up interventions to fight malnutrition; and 3) engage – generate actions from stakeholders about nutrition.

Details: Category: Region 10; Published: 19 July 2021

New PFNP 19 July 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – Following the hiring process and approval of contract, the National Nutrition Council Regional Office X hired a new technical staff for the Early Childhood Care and Development-First 1000 Days (ECCD-F1K) Program in Bukidnon Province.

As preparations are being continued for the wet feeding scheme for the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program (TK DSP) in the eight (8) recipient Local Government Units (LGUs) of Bukidnon, NNC X fast-tracked hiring of a new focal person for seamless execution of the said preparations. Mr. Gwyn Y. Balaba, RND was hired as the new Provincial Nutrition Focal Point, following the non-renewal of former program in-charge, Ms. Stephanie C. Barrio. PNFP Balaba is expected to coordinate, and implement F1K and related activities in the province. He is also tasked to support various activities of the NNC regional office.

Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez with Nutrition Officer III Sheena Marie G. Talle oriented the new PNFP on the background of NNC, its mandates and programs, and the Regional Office’s operations last 16 July 2021.

With the new manpower of NNC X, it is assured that deliverables for the ECCD-F1K Program, specifically for Tutok Kainan, are continued. (NO I Vazamija Therese A. Villasi)