San Fernando, Cebu – A representative from the newly organized Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Academe Network in Central Visayas joined for the first time in the 2022 monitoring and evaluation of local level plan implementation (MELLPI) protocol in the municipality of San Fernando, Cebu. Professor Eldie P. Gugudan of Cebu Doctors’ University College of Nutrition and Dietetics participated in the activity which was conducted on 18-19 April 2022.

Other members of the RNET include representatives from the Department of the Interior Local Government, Ms. Janieva A. Dandan; from DOH CV CHD/NNC 7, Ms. Bea Margaux E. Cornelia with secretariat support from Mr. Gabe Henriel P. Sucalit and Ms. Christine April M. Lopez of NNC 7.

The team reviewed the documents of the Municipal Nutrition Committee and visited three sample barangays namely Cabatbatan, Sangat, and Balud, a unique practice of Central Visayas RNC in compliance with RNC Resolution No. 020-02 (s. 2020) entitled “Expanding the Regional MELLPI PRO Coverage and Enjoining Local Nutrition Committees to Adopt the MELLPI PRO”.

One of the major findings of the RNET was that the local government has adopted the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) through MNC Resolution No. 174 and the Milk Code or EO 51 is adopted through MNC Resolution No. 249, of which the RNET commended.

The RNET also recommended to the MNC to further push and improve the delivery of nutrition services especially in addressing the nutrition needs of pregnant women and children below 2 years old to at least 90% to help make a dint in the stunting status of the municipality according to The Lancet Report on Maternal and Child Nutrition. With the willingness of the MNC to strengthen the provision of their nutrition services, in no time the municipality will have healthier, taller, and more brilliant children. // Cebu PNFP Christine M. Lopez, RND