PALO, LEYTE – Despite the threat brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, municipalities of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar did not dampen their spirit in completing the two-day Workshop on Integrating Nutrition Programs, Projects, and Activities in the 2021 Annual Investment Plan scheduled on December 14-17, 2020 via Google Meet.
On 14-15 December 2020, the municipalities of Sulat, Maydolong, San Julian, Lawaan, Gen. MacArthur, Jipapad, and the Provincial Nutrition Committee of Eastern Samar joined the online workshop. On the other hand, the municipalities Catubig, Rosario, San Vicente, Victoria, Biri, Capul, San Antonio, Lavezares, and San Roque in Northern Samar attended the virtual hall on 15-17 December 2020.
The two-day workshop provided inputs to the municipal planning core team on what PPAs to prioritize and how it will be integrated into the 2021 AIP. Additionally, four Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN)-based programs and their component projects identified and prioritized in the LNAP 2020-2022 were introduced by the NNC8 facilitators to include: (1) First 1000 Days Program, (2) Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM), (3) Nutrition-sensitive Program, and (4) Enabling Programs.
RNPC Catalino P. Dotollo, Jr. showcased to the online participants the First 1,000 Days Program being implemented in Gamay, Northern Samar dubbed as Bata ang Una sa Yaman ng Gamay (BUYAG). The BUYAG program successfully reduced the malnutrition situation and improved the household’s condition through livelihood opportunities.
Meanwhile, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) Sallie Jabinal calls for action for the local government units to seriously consider the inclusion and implementation of nutrition PPAs especially on investing the first 1,000 days and dietary supplementation programs for the nutritionally-at-risk pregnant and children 6-23 months.
The Provinces of Eastern and Northern Samar including the Province of Samar are included as PPAN priority provinces in the country. #NASLabordo