SP, NNC-1 Combine Efforts to Strengthen Nutrition Intervention in La Union
By: Rhea Matilde Ballesteros, GPC-SP | Photos By: SP | Date: July 4, 2023
To improve the nutrition situation in La Union, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) - Region I reaffirmed their commitment to scale up the implementation of nutrition interventions in the province during the 53rd Regular Session on July 4, 2023.
During the session, NNC - I OIC - Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Mr. Kendal Pilgrim A. Gatan, provided a comprehensive presentation on the findings/observations and results of the 2023 Monitoring and Evaluation Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) Pro Exit Conference. Among the notable findings he highlighted includes the consistent reduction of prevalence of stunting and overweight; sustain prevalence to wasting, malnutrition rate below public health significance and increased prevalence of underweight among under-five children in the province for the past year.
He also underscored the opportunities for improvements and recommendations such as the need for the Provincial Nutrition Committee to exercise and strengthen its functions as the highest policy making body on nutrition in the province and initiate passage of more relevant local policies that support or strengthen nutrition program implementation in the provincial level; creation of a separate vision-mission for nutrition; and provision of additional Provincial Nutrition Office staff.
Mr. Gatan urged the legislators to prioritize the formulation of policies that will address the causes of malnutrition and promote health and well-being of every Kaprobinsiaan especially on the easy access to nutritious foods and embracing healthy lifestyles. Likewise, to pass a measure expressing support to House Bill No. 1349, Providing for the Mandatory Appointment of a Nutrition Officer in all Provinces, Cities and Municipalities in the country.
The question hour concluded with a discussion with Vice-Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega and SP Members about the various legislations passed by the SP in relation to health and nutrition. The SP continues to exhibit #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan as they expressed their commitment to work collaboratively with the NNC on their programs, policies and activities onward a healthier and prosperous province.
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