IMUS CITY, Cavite — The National Nutrition Council (NNC) has called on local government units (LGUs) to sustain and strengthen the implementation of nutrition programs under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) amid emerging global challenges affecting food security and economic stability.
The call was emphasized by Lourdes Bulante-Orongan, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC CALABARZON, during the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) Pro, an annual mechanism that assesses LGU performance in delivering nutrition services.
The evaluation is conducted by members of the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET), an inter-agency body organized at the regional level to assess, monitor, and validate the implementation of nutrition programs and initiatives.
“The continuity of nutrition programs is critical, especially during crises that may worsen hunger and malnutrition. LGUs play a vital role in safeguarding the nutritional well-being of their constituents,” Bulante-Orongan said.
She noted that despite supply chain disruptions and rising food costs linked to global developments, LGUs must remain proactive in ensuring that nutrition interventions reach vulnerable sectors.
Through MELLPI Pro, LGUs are assessed based on their planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition programs, while also identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
“Sa pamamagitan ng MELLPI Pro, nakikita natin kung ano ang mga programang naipapatupad sa bawat bayan, at nagiging daan ito upang makapag-lobby tayo sa LGUs”
Orongan also stressed the need to prioritize nutrition at the local level, noting that not all LGUs place health and nutrition at the forefront of their agenda.
“Ipagpatuloy sana ang pagtataguyod ng mga programang pangkalusugan. Alam naman natin na hindi lahat ng LGUs ay ginagawa itong prayoridad, kaya mahalaga ang patuloy na adbokasiya para labanan ang iba’t ibang anyo ng malnutrisyon”.
She further highlighted the urgency of early intervention in addressing malnutrition.
“Kapag ang bata ay umabot na sa preschool age, mahirap nang habulin ang stunting o pagkabansot, kaya dapat maagapan ito sa loob ng F1K o first 1000 days ng bata.”
The PPAN serves as the country’s blueprint in combating malnutrition through coordinated efforts among national agencies, LGUs, and community stakeholders. Its strategies include improving access to nutritious food, promoting health and nutrition education, and strengthening local governance mechanisms.
For 2026, the RNET CALABARZON is set to visit five provinces, 22 cities, five municipalities, and 27 barangays from March 24 to July 30.
The NNC reiterated that strong local leadership, sustained commitment, and strategic partnerships with civil society and the private sector are essential to achieving national nutrition targets, especially in times of global uncertainty. (CCM/PIA CALABARZON)
