17 March 2022, Cagayan de Oro City – The assessment of the Local Nutrition Early Warning System for Food and Nutrition Security (LNEWS-FNS) is conducted semi-annually. This is to monitor the collection, analysis, and interpretation of the LNEWS data.
Last 10 March 2022, Talakag, Bukidnon Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Rosa Ma. Theresa L. Nanolan, Household Data Collectors and Nutrition Officer (NO) II Arlie Joy O. Damiles of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) X convened to discuss the 2021 2nd semester monitoring results. The activity was held at the Municipal Audio-Visual Room, Talakag, Bukidnon.
MNAO Nanolan presented the 2021 initial third and fourth quarter monitoring results. She reported that most of the indicators have no or minimal impact. However, the prevalence of stunting in the fourth quarter is in warning alert status at 16.84%.
To generate timely analysis of LNEWS data and formulation of recommendations to address the existing food and nutrition insecurity in the municipality, the local government unit (LGU) of Talakag is set to reorganize and reactivate the LNEWS Core Group. Further, LNEWS data will be presented during the Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC) meetings and management conferences.
In addition, LGU Talakag plans to intensify nutrition education efforts by increasing awareness about the consumption of protein-rich foods, that are locally available in the community, to address the low consumption of the said food group. Moreover, securing funds to sustain the Dietary Supplementation Program for those covered under the First 1000 Days period to address malnutrition, particularly stunting and wasting. And to ensure food security, the sentinel barangays plan to adopt and strictly implement local ordinances such as the establishment of communal and household gardens. Prioritizing families with malnourished children and belonging to poor households in all programs relevant to health and nutrition were also recommended.
With the LNEWS-FNS, food and nutrition security problems will be detected earlier. Thus, the LGUs can prevent the worsening of problems and improve the food and nutrition situation in their locality. Moreover, the NNC continually calls for support and unified efforts to alleviate food and nutrition insecurity. (NO II Arlie Joy O. Damiles)