The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) is now going around the provinces to evaluate the performance of local government units in the implementation of nutritional plans and programs to help eradicate malnutrition.
The Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro) is the monitoring and evaluation mechanism for the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) at the local level. It is designed to monitor and evaluate the performance of local government units and local nutrition focal points (LNFPs) in promoting nutrition security versus nutrition outcomes.
The LGU’s efficiency and effectiveness in nutrition program implementation will be rated using the six dimensions, namely vision and mission, nutrition laws and policies, governance, local nutrition committee management, nutrition interventions/services, and changes in nutritional status.
The results of the MELLPI Pro will guide policy and decision makers in enhancing nutrition products, services, and delivery systems towards improved effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability.
The evaluation commences with a desk review of LGU documents, followed by deliberation and finalization of MELLPI Pro scores by the evaluators, and concludes with a feedback session.
The RNET started the MELLPI Pro activity in Tabuk City on April 23 and 24, followed by Baguio City on May 10, and Ifugao on May 16. Benguet is scheduled on May 28, while the remaining provinces will be visited in June.
During the feedback session with members of the Baguio City Nutrition Committee (BCNC), and nutrition staff, RNET chairperson Candice Salingbay from DOH-Cordillera shared the team’s findings and recommendations to further improve documentation.
She said in preparing documents such as minutes of meetings, it should include important details such as updates from the Department of Education on the School-Based Feeding Program; Gulayan sa Paaralan; Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene program; and school weighing reports.
In the formulation of the Local Nutrition Action Plan, the DepEd data should be used on the nutritional status of school children.
OIC Assistant City Health Officer, Dr. Maria Lourdes Pakoy, thanked the RNET for their inputs and support to the city’s nutrition plans and programs.
“The feedback is an eye opener for all of us. We will continue to work in the BCNC with the help of other members, and we should also involve the medical officers for further improvement of nutrition in the city,” she said. – Maria Aprila Cruz
