PALO, Leyte - Local government units in Western and Northern Samar, under the Provincial Nutrition Governance Program (PNGP) of the Zuellig Family Foundation and UNICEF-KOICA, joined this year’s colloquium anchored on the theme “Preparing Provinces Toward a UHC-ready Nutrition System.”

The activity aims to share the accomplishments and analysis of PNGP’s effort in integrating and harmonizing First 1000 Days Services Delivery Network to improved health and nutrition system and reduce stunting prevalence.

Present LGUs headed by their respective LCEs, MNAOs, and MHOs include the towns of San Jose, Gamay, Mapanas, Lope De Vega, Lapinig, Catarman, and Mondragon all in Northern Samar.

On the other hand, Samar delegation was headed by the provincial governor, Hon. Michael Reynolds Tan, together with the members of the local nutrition committees of San Jose de Buan, Tarangnan, Gandara, Pagsanghan, Paranas and the cities of Catbalogan and Calbayog.

The Department of Health - Eastern Visayas, was represented by no less than the regional director, Dr. Exuperia Sabalberino.

In his message, Governor Tan shared how the provincial government improved its nutrition situation in the past years through the provision of incentives to Barangay Nutrition Scholars on top of its barangay and municipal honorarium, procurement of anthropometric tools, continuous capacity development for nutrition workers, livelihood projects, and other nutrition-sensitive interventions.

The governor also shared how each municipalities in the province have contributed to the overall reduction of its malnutrition problem including the reactivation of non-functional LNCs and creation of nutrition office with manpower compliment.

Meanwhile, in his virtual message, RNPC Dotollo emphasized that malnutrition is a multi-factoral problem and therefore, needs a multi-sectoral approach.

He added increased investment in nutrition, continuous capacity development, support to human resource, and adoption of implementable policies, among others are vital to improve the nutrition system in the region.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan also shared its various nutrition interventions and other good practices, through a virtual message.

ZFF Executive Director, Austere A. Panadero, also graced the event held at Hotel De Fides in Tacloban City. #PNFP-GAS