Cotabato City. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will implement this year the use of the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro) in all levels of the region. The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) and NNC BARMM partnered in conducting the two batches of Training of Trainers last March 21-26, 2022 in Davao City.

The updated MELLPI for LGUs and Local Nutrition Focal Points aims to evaluate the performance of local nutrition committees and its workers from Provincial Nutrition Action Officers, City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officers, District City Nutrition Program Coordinator and Barangay Nutrition Scholars.

The participants are from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Marawi City, all are members of the local nutrition committee. NO III Teo discussed the guidelines of the MELLPI Pro tool, explained the electronic tool and provided tips in conducting the MELLPI Pro in the area. MILG Director Rashida Abdulla mentioned the significant impact of Mandanas-Garcia Ruling on the devolution of programs to Local government.

According to Region XI NPC Maria Theresa Ungson “Grab this opportunity that the government of BARMM is in full support making malnutrition a priority issue”, BARMM has bright future she added. While Dr. Sinolinding highlighted the stunting prevalence results of 2018 and 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey of DOST-FNRI, Lanao del sur posted the highest reduction of stunting from 48.1 to 33% followed by Maguindanao from 45.8%(2015) to 39.9%, and Basilan with 45.9% (2015) to 38%. Sulu and Tawitawi were not done due to restrictions of the pandemic.

The training of trainers were facilItated mainly by joint Region XI staff, NNC BARMM and the MILG namely, NO III Alona E. Teo, NO II Maleja Daud Jaamil, MD, NO I Raihana L. Dimapinggun and HOPE Program Coordinator Rowena Mabang of MILG.

Author: NO II Maleja Daud Jaamil