On June 11, 2021, the 1^st Joint Meeting of the Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) and Nutrition Action Officers (NAOs) of Zamboanga del Norte (ZDN) was conducted at the Provincial Governor’s Office, ZDN Provincial Capitol, Dipolog City. The joint meeting was participated by PNC members, 2^nd District NAOs and representatives, CSO partners and Provincial Nutrition Coordinator Rowence F. Zorilla of the National Nutrition Council IX (NNC 9). The meeting was presided over by the ever-supportive Provincial Governor of Zamboanga del Norte Hon. Roberto Y. Uy.

Among the meeting agenda was the presentation of the status updates and accomplishments on Health and Nutrition Programs of the 2^nd district LGUs. The city of Dipolog, together with the two municipalities, Siayan and Sindangan, presented their 2020-2021 Operation Timbang Plus (OPT+) Reports, Health and Nutrition Specific and Sensitive activities from January to April 2021, best practices and the challenges encountered during the implementation of Nutrition and Health Programs and plans for the next quarter. Some of the NAOs of the 2^nd District were not able to attend the meeting due to the strict COVID-19 protocols brought about by the drastically increasing number of COVID-19 positive cases in the province where many of the health workers including NAOs and other staff were quarantined.

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) Account Officer, Ms. Jerry Elopre also reported updates on the Provincial Nutrition Government Program (PNGP), Municipal Nutrition Government Program (MNGP) and Barangay Leadership for Nutrition and Development (BL4ND) in the KOICA areas. The feedback was followed by the presentation of Updates on Deep Dive, 120 Days Supplementary Feeding and Bayanihan Outreach Mass Feeding by PNAO Nenita Maningo of the Provincial Nutrition Office (PNO). Moreover, NNC 9 Provincial Nutrition Coordinator Ms. Zorilla gave updates on the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program as well. She imparted information on the program preparations and other developments to keep the members of the PNC updated. Despite the challenges encountered in the implementation of Nutrition and Health Programs in the province, Hon. Governor Uy reiterated that all nutrition services must never cease to continue and should be felt and enjoyed by the constituents much more during these trying times.

-PNC-ZDN Rowence Zorilla