11 February 2021- The Regional Nutrition Committee-Technical Working Group conducted its first meeting for 2021 via online. Presided by the RNCTWG Chair, Ms. Aslamia Kumpo-Anggie of DILG XII, the virtual meeting was attended by 11 members from the following agencies: DOH, DA, DSWD, NEDA, DOLE, DAR, NCIP, DEPED, PopCom and Save the Children.  

NO III Annalita Mae Flores presented the 2020 Regional Nutrition Situation among 0-59 months old children accentuating the top areas with high prevalence rates of each malnutrition indicator specifically underweight, wasting, stunting and overweight/obesity. Regional results revealed improving trends from 2018-2020 for wasting, stunting and overweight/obesity and showed fluctuating trend for underweight.  Conduct of orientation for the Tutok Kainan supplementation program was also done by NO II Aurel to generate support from the partner agencies.

Other highlights in the said meeting include the review of Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition 2019 accomplishments and presentation of draft RNC Policies regarding the e-OPT (Operation Timbang Plus) and MELLPI Pro (Monitoring of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol) to be polished for the approval of the Regional Nutrition Committee.

In her closing message, NPC Latonio expressed that NNC SOCCSKSARGEN aims to heighten excellence in the implementation of nutrition program in the region with the commitment and support from partner agencies for rapid improvements in eradicating malnutrition. (NO II Aurel/OIC Flores)