In order to address the pressing problems and issues on health and nutrition in the Eastern Visayas region, the members of the Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG), representatives of key non-governmental organizations (NGOs), selected provincial/city nutrition action officers and Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) representative work together to craft the 2017-2022Eastern VisayasRegional Plan of Action for Nutrition (RPAN) on 25-26 May 2017 in Sabin Resort Hotel, Ormoc City.
The two-day planning workshop was guided by the inputs provided in by the group through the assessment of the regional nutrition situation that identifies prevailing nutrition problems of population groups and areas more affected and the effectivity and efficiency of nutrition program implementation in the previous year.
Guided by the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022, the different agencies were able to identify the different strategies, programs, projects and activities that could help achieve target outcomes in reducing stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity.
Prior to workshop proper, RNPC Dr. Catalino P. Dotollo, NOIII Nino Archie S. Labordo and NOII Ullasini J. Pangan provided the group with an orientation and inputs on: (1) National Nutrition Council (NNC) Legal Basis and Structures; (2) 2016 Nutrition Accomplishments; (3) 2016 Regional Nutrition Situation; (4) Philippine Health Agenda 2016-2022; and (5) PPAN 2017-2022. Likewise, Ambisyon Natin 2040 and the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2017-2022 Chapter 10 Reducing Inequalities in Human Development were presented by Senior Economic Development Specialist Ebette Enage of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) VIII.
According to the National Nutrition Survey 2015, Eastern Visayas recorded high prevalence of stunting at 41.7%, wasting of 8.4% and 2.3% obesity. These figure made members of the group to contribute for the operationalization of the RPAN 2017-2022.
The PPAN 2017-2022 goals which are translated in the regional plan: (1) achievement of Ambisyon 2040 by improving the quality of the human resource base of the country; (2) reduction of inequality in human development outcomes; and (3) reduction of child and maternal mortality.
