Cebu City - The National Nutrition Council Region VII conducted a two-day 2nd Regional Management Conference (ManCon) virtually on 02-03 December 2021. The conference was presided by the RNPC Dr. Parolita A. Mission of NNC 7. Present during the conference were the Nutrition Action Officers and District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators of the four provinces and 16 cities of Central Visayas as well as the Presidents of the MNAO and MNPC Associations.
The highlights of the first day of the conference included a presentation of LGU updates that covered LNAP 2021 accomplishments, 2022 AIP for nutrition, PPAs integrated in the LGU Devolution Transition Plan (DTP) and 2021 Nutrition Month Accomplishments. In the interest of time, only three LGUs were able to share their respective updates - Siquijor province with DNPC Pamela Dominguez, Dumaguete City by CNPC Giana Alcala and Cebu City by CNAO Emma Seville as presenters, respectively. Highlights of the sampled presentation were the continuation of nutrition services despite the limitation brought about by the pandemic, notable increase of nutrition budget in 2021, inclusion of key nutrition PPAs in the LGU DTPs, and establishment of nutrition offices and hiring of Nutrition Officers or Nutritionist Dietitians.
The second day centered on the discussion of technical updates by the NNC 7 Secretariat along nutrition policy and program planning that covered results of 2018 policy review, results of the Regional Dialogue with Punong Barangays: Enabling Nutrition Devolution, and LGU mobilization updates. For nutrition surveillance, 2021 OPT Plus updates, status of LNC functionality, WHO-CGS tools inventory results, PIMAM tracker, and search for Outstanding Local Nutrition Focal Persons were tackled. Meanwhile updates on 2021 social behavior change communication, distribution of IEC materials and Nutriskwela Community Radio Network Program were shared for nutrition information and education concerns. The Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program Phase 3 and 4 was also discussed.
To cap the 2-day conference, the participants had simple virtual Christmas socials that consisted of Christmas related games to celebrate the season. Truly, our celebration of Christmas should not be dampened by COVID-19! Let us continue the spirit of Christmas and spread more hope, peace, joy and love this Season! // NO I Christine April M. Lopez, RND
