Lapu-lapu City – The NNC 7 thru RNPC Dr. Parolita A. Mission and DMO II Christine M. Lopez conducted an advocacy visit to the Office of Civil Defense Region VII (OCD 7) Regional Director Segundo S. Bolo and called for support for the formulation and implementation of LGUs’ nutrition in emergencies plans and programs. The visit was held on 7 February 2023. Engr. Ver Neil Balaba, Chief, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division; Mr. Philip Ponte, Chief, Operations Section; Engr. Rhafael Luche, Operations Staff & Information Officer, and Ms. Jane Abapo the RNC-TWG representative of OCD 7 also joined the meeting.

During the session, RNPC Dr. Mission introduced NNC 7 to OCD 7 and how the latter can contribute to the achievement of the Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition targets especially in protecting the nutritional status of the vulnerable sectors in times of emergencies and disasters. She also discussed the imperative of investing in nutrition and the possible joint projects both agencies can undertake.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the OCD 7 thru RD Bolo commits to influence local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (DRRMO) to help LGUs develop their nutrition in the emergency plan, explore the potential of meals ready to eat (MRE) to be procured and distributed as an alternative to existing food packs, and inclusion of micronutrient supplementation in the agency’s program and services for its employees especially those who will be fielded during disasters and emergencies. NNC 7, on the other hand, will provide the legal basis to support said commitment including advocacy with DBM 7 for the possibility of releasing a local budget memo to encourage such initiatives and conduct nutrition assessment and counseling to OCD 7 employees. The OCD is one of the expanded members of the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) - Technical Working Group.

The visit established a joint effort in rallying the importance of nutrition within the agency itself as well as formulation and implementation of nutrition in emergency plans in all local government units down to the barangays. The meeting also identified potential nutrition policies to be raised to the RNC Full Committee, the Social Development Committee, and the Regional Development Council. // DMO II Christine Lopez, RND