The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) evaluated the nutrition programs of Apayao recently.
The RNET Team led by National Nutrition Council-Cordillera Nutrition Program Coordinator Bella Basalong conducted the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) Pro for the province.
Basalong said the MELLPI is an annual monitoring and evaluation mechanism of the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition.
The new tool being used, which is the MELLPI PRO, is designed to monitor and evaluate the performance of local go-vernment units and nutrition focal points in terms of nutrition program and the outcomes.
Areas of evaluation include the pre-sence of vision and mission on nutrition, nutrition laws and policies, governance and organization of local nutrition committees, local nutrition committee management functions, different nutrition interventions and services implemented, and the change in nutritional status in the LGU.
The RNET conducted desk review of the documents, particularly on the implementation of plans, programs, and policies in relation to nutrition in Apayao.
The team also evaluated the performance of the local nutrition focal points, namely the provincial nutrition action officer and the district nutrition program coordinator.
Aside from the provincial government, the RNET team together with the Apayao Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) also went to Flora for the evaluation.
The RNET team also conducted the Nutrition Shepherding to the Provincial Nutrition Committee members of Apayao.
Basalong said the Nutrition Shepherding Project is a platform that involves guiding and mentoring LGUs and a nutrition shepherding team to enhance their knowledge and skills in nutrition program management.
It aims to improve the functionality of the local PNC.
The activity also was to update the programs of the Local Nutrition Action Plan, and look into the impact of what has been implemented or accomplished.
Provincial Planning and Development Officer Henry Caluducan raised several concerns, particularly the stunting among the Aetas or Agta community which affects the data and results of nutrition in the province.
Basalong vowed to help the Apayao LGU through various support to improve their implementation of nutrition related programs particularly the issue on stunting among the Agta community.
Provincial Health Officer and acting Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Mark Calban expressed gratitude to the RNET for their efforts and support to the province.
He said will continue to work in the PNC with the other members and also with the NNC and other line agencies for the further improvement of nutrition in the province.
The RNET team was composed of representatives from NNC-Cordillera, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine Information Agency. – Redjie Melvic Cawis
