The Local Nutrition Early Warning System on Food and Nutrition Security (LNEWS-FNS) is a type or form of food security surveillance for detecting, at an early stage, an impending food crisis and to recognize “triggers” of alarm mechanisms. Further the main purpose of LNEWS- FNS is to enable the community to identify and address different problems whether natural or human –induced that affect the ability of a community and households to obtain sufficient food relative to their needs.
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) XII conducted monitoring to the areas with LNEWS-FNS specifically Kiamba, Sarangani, Tampakan and T’boli, South Cotabato on June 7, 8 and 10, 2021, respectively. A representative from the local offices of Agriculture, Planning, Health and Nutrition took part of the said activity. This monitoring intends to ensure LNEWS-FNS’s sustainability and proper implementation of its activities and discuss the challenges encountered amidst pandemic situation and the coping strategies made.
These Local Government Units (LGUs) were chosen because of the following factors (1) highest prevalence rate of stunting (2) prone to natural calamities and other disasters affecting food and nutrition security in the area (3) Presence of trained manpower already collecting significant data that can provide a good foundation for a workable early warning system.
The LGUs with LNEWS-FNS have faced different challenges and difficulties in implementing its activities due to current situation. However, they managed to pull it off by providing extra support in both logistics and funding aspects, which motivates the local nutrition focal points to put forth their best efforts to contribute in alleviating food and nutrition insecurity.
As the adage goes “Prevention is better than cure”, which can also be applied in governance. Every LGU should strive to work hard to prevent or intervene the emerging food and nutrition insecurity by utilizing timely and relevant data in the locality. Thus, would be able to make informed decisions and actions to address food and nutrition security issues within the community especially in this time of health crises. (NO II Utlang/OIC-NPC Flores)