NNC Caraga team went to the municipality of Talacogon with Agusan del Sur Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Laniebelle Angchangco for technical assistance and to lobby for the continued support to the nutrition program through nutrition advocacy. OIC-RNPC Laquihon shared the nutrition situation and the capacity map of Agusan del Sur including the ranking of Talacogon in the province and region; Talacogon is on the 39^th place in the region and 8^th in the provincial ranking in terms of the prevalence of stunting.

OIC-RNPC Laquihon provided feedback to Mayor Pauline Marie R. Masendo, the chairperson of the municipality of Talacogon Nutrition Committee and she validated the reports received by the region from the municipality. She acknowledged the support and efforts invested by the LGU through allocating a budget for nutrition, appointing a full time NAO. She also expressed her gratitude for the continued implementation of the EWS project in the municipality. She conducted the orientation on PPAN programs, projects, and possible activities. Further, shared the importance of first 1000 days for growth and development of a child to address the problem of stunting. She added that one of the interventions to prevent stunting is to ensure the implementation of maternal nutrition through basic services for pregnant women which includes the Dietary Supplementation Program for nutritionally at-risk pregnant women. This will also complement with other maternal nutrition interventions to ensure the health and nutrition of the mother. She added that infant nutritional needs should also be given attention especially the practices of breastfeeding and timely introduction of complementary foods through the Infant and Young Child Feeding Program complemented with other interventions for infants and children 0-59 months old.

Mayor Masendo expressed her strong support for the nutrition program and ensures that resources are allocated. The LGU have also formulated their NAP with budget. She assured that they will support and will issue an order for the proper turnover and smooth transition of the programs. Futhermore, she shared about their nutrition response in Covid 19 especially in GIDA areas wherein majority are IP groups. One of the initiatives of the LGU is the implementation of food production and tabuan. Aside from that the LGU also distributed food packs with vitamins for pregnant mothers and children.

The meeting ended productively. Meanwhile, OIC-RNPC Laquihon handover the PPAN jacket from NNC CO to Mayor Masendo as a token for their support to the nutrition program.

NO II LVPVARGAS/OIC-RNPC RMLAQUIHON