On July 19, 2022, the National Nutrition Council Region III (NNC R3) convened the members of the Regional Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation Team (RNMET) for an Orientation on the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) Protocol.

The MELLPI Pro is an annual activity led by the RNMET which aims to monitor and evaluate the performance of the local government units (LGUs) in promoting nutrition security vis-à-vis nutrition outcomes. The MELLPI Pro is also a tool used to inform and guide policy and decision makers to enhance their nutrition products, services and delivery systems towards greater effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability.

The one-day orientation was attended by 14 RNMET members from the 12 members agencies of the Central Luzon Regional Nutrition Committee such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (1), Department of Budget and Management (1), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (1), Department of Health (1), Department of Labor and Employment (1), Department of Science and Technology (1), Department of Trade and Industry (1), National Commission of Indigenous Peoples (1), National Economic and Development Authority (2), National Food Authority (1), Philippine Information Agency (1), and Philippine National Police (2).

The multi-sectoral composition of the RNMET resonates the 2022 Nutrition Month theme “New normal na nutrisyon, sama-samang gawan ng solusyon”, calling for unity and solidarity to address malnutrition in the new normal.

Topics discussed during the orientation includes an overview, key feature of the MELLPI Pro, Interim Guidelines of 2021 MELLPI Pro. Nutrition Officer III Angelita M. Pasos discussed the MELLPI Pro forms for local government units while Development Management Officer II (Provincial Nutrition Focal Person for ECCD F1K) Celestine Joy L. Membrebe shared the MELLPI Pro forms for the Local Nutrition Focal Persons.

The hands-on sessions on the use of the MELLPI Pro forms were highly appreciated by the RNMET as the sessions allowed them to have a full grasp of not just the use of the format but of the entire processes involved in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of LGUs’ nutrition programs.

Apart from welcoming the RNMET, NPC Ana Maria B. Rosaldo on the other hand, discussed the schedule of the MELLPI Pro which will commence in August until October, with Aurora Province as the first LGU to be visited.

The RNMET looks forward to the real test of the knowledge and skills they gained from the orientation and meeting the real champions on the ground.

Author: NPC Ana Maria B. Rosaldo