SOCCSKSARGEN—NNC SOCCSKSARGEN is stepping up its nutrition advocacy activities among local government units as the first quarter of 2022 progresses . NNC XII has targeted those Top 10 LGUs with high malnutrition prevalence rates with reference on the consolidated 2021 Regional Operation Timbang Report.

As of date, the team led by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Ms. Retsebeth M. Laquihon, had already visited six (6) LGUs included in the priority areas to wit: Antipas, Cotabato (January 24), Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat (Jan. 26), Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat (Jan. 28), Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat (Feb. 14), and Aleosan, Cotabato (Feb. 21).

Furthermore, another series of advocacy visits are already lined up in the coming months. The advocacy visits have strengthened the importance of First 1000 days highlighting the six (6) critical interventions, review and crafting of Nutrition Action Plans and strengthening LGU Nutrition Program through the establishment of a nutrition office with technical staff for nutrition. The team also emphasizes the need of having a fully functional Local Nutrition Committee to implement and manage their nutrition program efficiently and effectively. Factors affecting the LGU’s status in the ranking were also discussed and identified to facilitate LGUs in determining their nutrition actions and interventions.

Advocating for better nutrition can be particularly challenging, but NNC XII hopes that this activity will provide an opportunity for enhanced political will to create the change that is needed to scale up nutrition interventions to improve nutritional outcomes. (NO II DPA/ NO III AMF/RNPC)