SOCCSKSARGEN- The National Nutrition Council XII conducted a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGD) for the implementation of the Philippine Multi-sectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) on 2022-2025. Dubbed as the KUMAIN (Kasapatan at Ugnayan ng Mamamayan sa Akmang Pagkain at Nutrisyon) Project, this will be led by DOH-NNC and DSWD, in collaboration with the DILG, DA, DOST-FNRI and the Office of the Cabinet Secretary. The project aims to increase the simultaneous utilization of a package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and improve key behaviors and practices known to reduce stunting in targeted local government units (LGUs).

The conduct of Focus Group Discussion will be essential in gathering inputs and suggestions from prospective IP stakeholders and beneficiaries and to assess the health and nutrition situation of the communities.

Three (3) LGUs in SOCCSKSARGEN have undergone FGD, being part of the target PMNP areas last April 6, 2021 for Banisilan, Cotabato and Kiamba, Sarangani while April 12, 2021 for Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. Following appropriate health protocols, FGDs were all done thru face-to-face interview and recorded for documentary purposes. Participants of the said activity were composed by nutrition implementers (MNAO, DNPCs, BNSs, BHWs and Daycare Workers) and representatives from the community of Indigenous Peoples.

The discussions have made necessary and significant feedbacks for the health and nutrition concerns in their respective communities, gender issues in relation to health and nutrition concerns experienced, the appropriate nutrition-sensitive programs to address the health and nutrition concerns and recommendations for the PMNP.

Outputs for the conducted FGDs were submitted to National Nutrition Council which will serve as a basis for PMNP project implementation. Involved LGUs are looking forward to this underway project whilst, hoping to ultimately address basic health and nutrition concerns. (NO II Aurel/OIC-NPC Flores)