Bohol Province – In response to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Central Visayas on 15 October 2013, the Nutrition Cluster was activated to meet the nutritional needs of individuals especially the most vulnerable groups: infants, children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, older persons, people with disabilities, and people living with debilitating conditions.
On 16 October 2013, the NNC 7 initiated coordination/consultation with members of the cluster. The National Nutrition Council Region VII is Chair of the Nutrition Cluster in the region. DOH DPO 2007-2492 mandates the reorganization of the cluster system within the Department of Health and named NNC as Chair of the Nutrition Cluster. Considering that Bohol was badly hit, a team composed of NO III Susan Y. Orpilla of NNC 7 and ND IV Juliet G. Tutor of DOH – CHD 7 was fielded that same day to Bohol for Nutrition in Emergencies (NIE). The team monitored and assessed the implementation of NIE last 16 to 18 October 2013. Specifically, on 17 October, the team attended a briefing/orientation presided by Dir. Carmencita Banatin, Chief of HEMS Central Office and visited the municipalities of Loon. On 18 October, the nutrition team visited Antequera, Maribooc and San Isidro. The team visited evacuation areas, did nutrition assessment, interviewed key persons and coordinated with the NAOs, D/CNPC, MNPCs for the organization and/or activation of the nutrition clusters and mobilization of BNSs for NIE. Central Visayas RNC passed a resolution No 013-03 (series 2013) “Requesting the CV RDRRMC and DILG to enjoin LGUs in the region to create nutrition cluster on nutrition management during emergencies and disasters”.
Meanwhile, last 24-26 October, the Nutrition Cluster Team led by DOH – HEMS staff, Ms. Flor V. Panlilio, ND IV and Dr. Martin R. Parreño, Nutrition Coordinator of ACF International, together with the initial team composed of Dr. Dainah Fajardo of Visayas Health Program, Ms. Juliet Tutor, ND IV of DOH – CHD VII, Ms. Julieta Manliguez, DNPC of Bohol Province along with other Bohol DNPCs, Ms. Fe Oribia, Ms. Teodora Cleopas, Ms. Victoria Camargo, Ms. Anatolia Jabines, Ms. Beatrice Rafols, Ms. Rosalina Amodia, Mr. Benjie Delfin of Save the Children and NO I Nasudi G. Soluta of NNC 7 visited Buenavista, Calape and Sagbayan. Activities done by the team included MUAC measurement, IYCF assessment and counselling and Vitamin A distribution.
Experiences from this team served as inputs on which to enhance performance for other cluster teams in the municipalities and barangays. Proper recording and reporting was emphasized to ensure real time data.
On 27-31 October, the Regional Nutrition Cluster together with D/CNPCs, MNPCs and select BNSs of Bohol continued providing nutrition service package for affected population.
With the situation in Bohol taking some time to normalize, the nutrition cluster would continue to take action specifically in providing the minimum service package to quake victims. This is done to assure that the nutrition status of those most affected e.g. infants, children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers would be protected. //DFB
