Dalaguete, Cebu - World Bank representatives composed of Dr. Nkosi Mbuya, Ms. Birte Holm Soresen, and Dr. Cecilia Acuin visited Dalaguete, Cebu on 14 November 2022 for the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP). They were joined by Ms. Joey R. Jade of DOH, and Ms. Loida Abela of KALAHI CIDDS/DSWD. Regional representatives included Mr. Karl Vladimir Arbon of KALAHI CIDDS/DSWD 7, Mr. Teresito Caayaman III of DOH CVCHD, Ms. Sheila Mae Awing of the Provincial Health Office and Ms. Christine Lopez of National Nutrition Council Region VII.

The team conducted a focus group discussion with the health, nutrition, and social welfare personnel of Dalaguete, Cebu, one of the project sites of PMNP. The World Bank team got an overview of the municipal nutrition situation, and the different nutrition and related programs, projects, and activities currently implemented. The team also visited Barangay Sacsac, one of the upland barangays of the municipality, learned of the barangay nutrition situation, and caught a glimpse of the nutrition services implemented at the barangay level.

After the session in the barangay, the team conversed with the Municipal Nutrition Committee Chair, Hon. Ronald Allan G. Cesante and some of its members. A comprehensive and thorough exchange about the program, the role of parties, and program outcome, among others was made between the MNC and the World bank team.

PMNP is a bold, multi-sectoral nutrition approach to deliver a coordinated package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions across the various LGU platforms. The project aims to increase the simultaneous utilization of a package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and improve key health behaviors and practices known to reduce stunting in target LGUs. // DMO II Christine April Lopez, RND