25 March 2021, Davao City -- The Regional Nutrition Committee XI approved 3 new Resolutions during its 1^st virtual meeting for the year. National Nutrition Council XI facilitated the conduct of said meeting via Google Meet together with the members of the RNC XI.

Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Dr. Maria Teresa L. Ungson presented the following draft Resolutions for the approval of the Committee:

• Resolution No. 01, Series of 2021: Resolution Enjoining All Local Government Units of Davao Region to Organize a Local Bantay ASIN Task Force. A Regional Bantay Asin Task Force of Region XI will be organized with DOH-Region XI as chair and NNC XI as co-chair, together with 27 other government and non-government agencies. This RNC resolution aims to further strengthen the management of the salt iodization program in Davao region. The creation of this technical working group will monitor, manage, and coordinate the salt iodization program in the region. This resolution was approved with no comments from the group.

• Resolution No. 02, Series of 2021: Adopting The Policy Statement On Nutrition Programs For Government Workers In Davao Region. Research has shown that advocating for health and nutrition in the workplace can lead to an improved working environment, boost productivity and reduced absenteeism; lower healthcare cost and improved positive image of the employer organization. The adoption of this policy statement on nutrition programs addresses the poor health and nutrition status of government workers. This will be feasible through the provision of services including the promotion of healthy diets, improving the food environment, providing healthy settings in the workplace and changes in lifestyle. A nutrition program for government workers is consistent with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2017-2022, particularly the nutrition specific programs on Nutrition Promotion for Behavior Change Program and Overweight and Obesity Prevention and Management Program and among other existing policies and programs. This resolution was approved pending the addition of an entry for possible integration with existing DOH and Civil Service Joint Memorandum regarding the welfare of civil servants during the New Normal.

• Resolution No. 03, Series of 2021: Adopting the Dietary Supplementation Program (Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program) of National Nutrition Council for Pregnant Women and 6-23 Months Old Children in Davao Region. The Tutok Kainan supplementation program is NNC’s COVID-response and operationalizes RA 11148 or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act by zeroing in on one of the needed services indicated in the law that has not been given attention especially the Dietary Supplementation Program for pregnant women and young children 6-23 months old. The target groups include the nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women in 3rd trimester, pregnant women in 3rd trimester, nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women regardless of gestational age, children 6-23 months old and stunted 6-23 months old children. The estimated duration of feeding is about 90 days for pregnant women and 180 days for children 6-23 months old. For pregnant women, required level of daily supplementation is around 500-700 calories, at PHp52 per pregnant woman including administrative cost. This resolution was approved with no comments from the group.

The meeting ended with a closing message from Dr. Annabelle Yumang, Chair of RNC XI and RD of DOH XI. Dr Yumang thanked the RNC XI members for actively participating during the meeting and looking forward to upcoming meetings and coordination.

NNC XI Secretariat will facilitate the routing of printed copies of the said resolutions for signature of Dr. Yumang, as RNC Chairperson.

The meeting was attended by the Regional Nutrition Committee XI Members and by RNPC Dr Maria Teresa L. Ungson and NNC XI staff.

By: Megankristyl Lendio