Nutrition planning has been an established activity of local nutrition committees. This is a result of the continuing capability-building process made possible through various support from the National Nutrition Council (NNC). The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) as formulated by NNC is the systematic integration of efforts of the government, private agencies and institutions to address the country’s malnutrition problem. It is a management tool to assess progress of plan implementation, to identify strengths and weaknesses in implementing the local nutrition program, to institute appropriate corrective measures, and to facilitate achievement of the plan's objectives.
Monitoring & Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation or (MELLPI) was formulated in 1979 to guide Monitoring and Evaluation by field implementers. It aims to assess the efficiency of local level plan implementation, as indicated by the outreach of activities undertaken relative to the local nutrition action plan, funds expended, as well as the management and support given by local executives and other implementing agencies.
Other than those mentioned above, it is also used to measure changes in weight status of preschool and school children during the evaluation year and the immediate past two years, to determine the extent to which nutrition is integrated into local development plans and programs, and lastly to advocate for the continuing support for local nutrition programs.
In line with this, Tagum City’s Nutrition Committee desires to be monitored and evaluated this year and seeks to be aware of the recent updates regarding the MELLPI technicalities, mechanics and procedures. NNC XI’s technical team headed by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Maria Teresa Ungson explained among the members the updates regarding MELLPI including itsCriteria for Evaluation, Incentives and Recognition, and its Tools for Evaluation.
Another topic discussed during the said Orientation is the 2014 Search for National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS). The Search happens every year as it targets to assess the performance of BNSs in terms of their contribution to nutrition program implementation and improvement of nutritional status in the barangay and also to identify the strengths & weaknesses of the performance of BNSs. Last year, Sherwin Abellaniza of Tagum City represented the Region to the National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar. He was awarded as the 2nd Runner-up National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar during the 2013 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony.
