LGU Clarin renews nutrition commitments

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) 10 provided a technical assistance with the local government unit (LGU) of Clarin, Misamis Occidental, 14 March.

Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez and Nutrition Officer III Sheena Marie G. Talle, together with Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Jim Jan V. Gomez facilitated the technical assistance which was attended by members of the Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC)-Technical Working Group (TWG). Staff from the Provincial Nutrition Office accompanied NNC X.

During the technical assistance, NNC X introduced the NNC, the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, municipal nutrition situation, and guides and strategies on strengthening the nutrition program.

The MNC-TWG members expressed their appreciation to the presentation which made them aware of the priorities for nutrition, and their crucial role of addressing malnutrition problems in their municipality. 

As a response, they committed to intensify their efforts as MNC through conduct of regular MNC meetings, monitoring of projects and activities identified in the Municipal Nutrition Action Plan, lobby to barangays the investments to nutrition programs, among others.

They also opened their concerns on the limited funds for nutrition program, that a certain percentage should be allocated for it like that of Gender and Development (GAD) and the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC); on the other hand, it was reported that there has been an increase in terms of the nutrition program budget due to the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling, from ₱300,000.00 to ₱700,000.00.

MNAO Gomez also shared his plight with their barangays with very minimal funds for nutrition. NNC X responded that the barangays should be made aware of the return of investments of nutrition programs, and recommended strategies that the LGU and the barangays can work on. The LGU was advised to review barangay plans and budgets to make sure that nutrition is integrated and with corresponding budget allocation.

The NNC X made a visit to Municipal Mayor Glory Fe Roa prior to the TA. Mayor Roa and MNAO Gomez shared that additional positions for nutrition were opened, under the supervision of the MNAO.

NNC X looks forward to assisting LGU Clarin and other LGUs in the region, all for the improvement of Northern Mindanao’s nutrition situation. (NNC-10/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)