Surigao City– Kristine Angelie Gimongala, UNICEF Philippines’ Nutrition Cluster Coordinator, highlighted the importance of nutrition in her welcome message and encouraged all local government units (LGU) to take charge of expanding nutrition programs in their respective communities by developing programs and projects and developing nutrition budget estimates.

This happened during the Training Workshop on Integrating Nutrition Program, Projects, and Activities in Planning Workshop on Integrating Nutrition in Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP), Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), and Local Development Investment Programs (LDIP) for Local Nutrition Planning Team of the Province of Dinagat Island, 14 September 2022 at Almont Beach Resort, Surigao City.

She emphasized in her message that nutrition is an integral part that saves mother and newborn lives, unlocks economic potential by enabling children to grow into productive members of their communities, promotes cognitive development, improves economic growth by reducing sick leave and fewer workers are taking early retirement due to health problems.

LGU plays a big role in the implementation of basic services, including nutrition program implementation, she added.

Furthermore, she claimed that whereas providing children with cost – effective nutrition may not have an immediate effect on the economy, it does over the long run. This means that investing in nutrition not only protects the human body to avoid illnesses, but also makes economic sense. As a result, governments and different agencies must recognize the critical importance of prioritizing nutrition. #AKAAlbastro/NASLabordo