The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) of SOCCSKSARGEN begins the Monitoring and Evaluation for Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro) for Local Nutrition Focal Points (LNFPs) which include the Provincial/City Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (P/COBNS), Provincial/City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (P/C/MNAO), and District/City/Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinators (D/C/MNPCs) region-wide. The team was composed of representative from Department of Health (DOH), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and National Nutrition Council (NNC).

MELLPI Pro for Local Nutrition Focal Points will determine his/her efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of the nutrition program through planning, organizing, advocacy, coordination, resource generation, documentation and record keeping, monitoring and evaluation, capacity development and selection and recruitment of Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) for calendar year 2021. It aims to enhance LNFP’s core functions in line with delivering nutrition services in the locality towards improved effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of nutrition program.

During the validation visits, the team did a desk review of the documents prepared and presented, conducted interview and administered exam for the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (ROBNS) nominees. 

The RNET highlighted the LNFP's strengths and weaknesses during the exit meeting, as well as good practices, innovations, issues and challenges and the recommendations to further enhance their roles and functions as frontline nutrition staff.

The validation visits for LNFPs have already been carried out in Kidapawan City, Sarangani Province, and General Santos City for the month of August. On the other hand, it is scheduled for September for other contenders. (DMOIIUtlang/NOIIIAurel/RNPCLaquihon)