May 29-30, 2018, Agusan del Norte- NNC Caraga assisted the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) chairperson Melinda Lagua of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Ms. Kimberly A. Baliňa from Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the conduct of the Monitoring and Evaluation on Nutrition Program also known as MELLPI in Agusan del Norte.
Monitoring and Evaluation on Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) aims to determine the extent to which nutrition is integrated into local development plans and programs, institute corrective measures and facilitate achievement of the plan’s objective as part on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) and advocate for the continuing support for local nutrition programs and determine the changes in the nutritional status of 0-59 months children through weighing of at least 10% of 0-59 months old preschool children in selected barangays. The RNET conducted desk review and interview with the Local Nutrition Committee to assess their nutrition program implementation. Barangay 2, Amontay and Barangay 6 were visited in the Municipality of Nasipit while on the other hand, Barangay Poblacion and Crossing were visited in the municipality of Kitcharao.
During the feedbacking, the importance of good documentation was emphasized by the members of the Caraga RNET; they also commended the support of the nutrition committees in the implementation of the nutrition programs in their locality. In Nasipit, the involvement of agencies/local departments and organizations in the formulation of local nutrition action plan was recognized. Goat production, cattle fattening and chicken dispersal were the livelihood indicated prioritizing families with malnourished children. They also conduct nutrition advocacies through barangay assembly, radio plugging, and mother’s class and distributes IEC materials.
In the municipality of Kitcharao, mango and cassava production and "Gulayan sa Masa" were among the livelihood programs implemented. They also have proper documentation of mother’s class with list of participants. The BNS were also advised to observe proper taking of weight and height measurement and regular updating of their barangay profile, spot map and problem tree.
RNET Chairperson Lagua also oriented the local nutrition committees on the DILG memorandum circular 2018-42 entitled Adoption and Implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022. She reminded the barangay officials of their roles and responsibilities as members of their nutrition committees. ## NOII Panes/NO III Vargas
