City of Koronadal, South Cotabato – The National Nutrition Council (NNC) XII, headed by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Ms. Arceli M. Latonio, facilitated the conduct of Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition, 2017-2022 formulation workshop on November 20-21, 2017 at Viajera Dine and Café, Koronadal City.
The two-day workshop was attended by representatives from member-agencies of the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) XII and the City Nutrition Action Officers (CNAOs) in the region.
Ms. Latonio said that since the nutrition programs and activities are being implemented down to the barangay level by the Barangay Nutrition Scholars, it is necessary that the CNAOs, are present during the formulation workshop to determine problems and challenges encountered by the local government units during implementation. She also said that the activity shall serve as a venue for the LGUs to raise their needed intervention and assistance which line agencies can probably provide.
To guide the participants in the workshop, the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, 2017-2022 was presented. This was approved and adopted on February 21, 2017 by the NNC Governing Board through Resolution No. 1, Series of 2017. Ms. Evie A. Cabulanan of the National Economic and Development Authority XII presented the RDP, 2017-2022, with emphasis on the chapters relevant to the social sector. Other presentations were the FNRI-DOST 2015 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) Result and the Region XII Operation Timbang (OPT) Result for 2015 to 2016.

Data showed that among the prevailing nutritional problems in the region were stunting, wasting and overweight/obesity among 0-71 mos. old children, overweight/obesity among adults, iodine deficiency disorder among children, iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women and vitamin A deficiency.
Based on OPT 2016 the top three highest prevalence of stunting were Kiamba at 32.35% (Sarangani), Kalamansig at 28.74% (Sultan Kudarat), and Arakan at 28.18% (Cotabato Province).
A PESTLE analysis was conducted to identify opportunities and threats. The PESTLE stands for political, economic, social, technology, legal and environment factors.
The PPAN/RPAN is anchored on the Philippine/Regional Development Plan, the 0-10 point socioeconomic agenda of the Duterte Administration and the Philippine Health Agenda, 2016-2022. There are twelve (12) programs under the PPAN, eight (8) of which are nutrition specific, one is nutrition-sensitive and three are enabling support programs.
On November 28, 2017 at The Farm@Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, the PPAN, 2017-2022 shall be launched and formally disseminated in the SOCCSKSARGEN region. (Evie Arabis Cabulanan, NEDA XII-DRD)