Given their essential role in nutrition improvement, local government units are encouraged to join the LGA and NNC to bring nutrition to the forefront of development. With this partnership, local government units will be able to boost their ability to adopt and administer nutrition policies, programs, and activities, as well as standardize the delivery of nutrition-related capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, the agreement also aims to persuade local governments to prioritize the nutrition agenda in local planning and budgeting, with assistance in implementing the upcoming Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028, as well as the full devolution of services mandated by Executive Order 138 and the Mandanas-Garcia Supreme Court ruling.

LGA Executive Director Thelma Vecina was joined by Assistant Director Esmeralda Daphne Purnell, and NNC Assistant Secretary and Executive Director Azucena M. Dayanghirang was joined by FMD Chair Ms. Rossana Quillope in signing the agreement. The LGA, the NNC, and numerous local government units were also present for the virtual signing ceremony.

Author: OED – Pam Pescador