PALO, LEYTE — Finally, after waiting to be reconvened physically, the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) VIII gathered and submitted five resolutions during its First Meeting on 6 October 2020 at the Seafood and Ribs Warehouse in Palo, Leyte.

Out of the five resolutions, two important COVID-19 related policies were approved to include the Adoption of the Nutrition Cluster Guidelines on Local Government Unit Nutrition Actions Relative to COVID 19 and the Adoption of the Nutrition Cluster Advisory No. 2 on Cluster Recommendations on Healthful and Nutritious Family Food Packs and Sustainable Food Sources.

The two Nutrition Cluster Advisories, which were released on 23 March 2020 and on 28 April 2020 respectively, are important guidelines and recommendations for the local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), business companies, and other civic-oriented organizations providing nutrition services to all COVID19-affected populations.

Dr. Minerva P. Molon, the Chairperson of the Committee and the Regional Director of the Department of Health shared that the advisories would provide guidance to LGUs in the provision of food packs and other actions related to COVID-19. Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. Catalino P. Dotollo, Jr. supported though the advisories were already forwarded to all LGUs in the early days of the pandemic, the need for the reiteration of the advisories shall constantly be made. Hence, NEDA Chief Economic Development Specialist, Ma. Marivic Cuayzon moved for the wide dissemination of the resolutions to be coordinated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Nutrition Cluster Guideline on LGU Nutrition Actions recommends promoting good nutrition, prioritize undernutrition, support exclusive breastfeeding, nutritious family food packs, among others. On the other hand, Nutrition Cluster Advisory No. 2 spells out recommendations on healthful and nutritious family food packs and sustainable food sources particularly optimizing the use of local fresh produce from the small farmers, fisherfolks, and cooperatives. Likewise, the LGUs are enjoined to promote the establishments of home gardens, maximize Barangay Nutrition Scholars as front liners, and other recommendations.

The three other approved resolutions were on (1) Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) requirement for Salt Consignor to submit a Certificate of Analysis from point of origin, (2) enjoining All LGUs to allocate funds for the nutrition program, projects, and activities implementation, and (3) enjoining LGUs to support the Compendium of local ordinances and issuances on nutrition and continuously submit additional local ordinances and issuances.

Ten members of the RNC present during the meeting were from DOH, NEDA, DBM, DA, DSWD, DTI, DepEd, HIMSOG, Plan International, EVSU while three members attended virtually to include DOST, POPCOM, and DILG.

The Regional Nutrition Committee, the highest policy-making body on nutrition in the region, is tasked to issue implementing guidelines that will support the nutrition programs in the region based on the policies set by the National Nutrition Council. #NASLabordo