Provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays, through their nutrition committees, are expected to have a dynamic nutrition program to prevent and/or alleviate malnutrition problems in their localities. Although the programs are anchored on the Medium-Term Philippine Food and Nutrition Program (MTPFNP) dubbed as the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) cascaded by the National Nutrition Council (NNC), every local government unit (LGU) can decide on what is fitting to their unique situation and available resources. The programs are embodied in the locality’s Nutrition Action Plan (NAP) formulated each year and included in the annual development/investment plan.
Towards realizing its vision, ”A nutritionally-improved and healthier La Trinidad”, the municipality of La Trinidad launched its NOURISH NOW program during its Nutrition Month Celebration on August 4, 2023. The mission states “to ensure proper nutrition and healthy behavior among individuals, communities, workplaces, schools and other settings through responsive programs and policies across life stages.” With the launching, all barangays are to align their future NAPs to the municipality’s program outlined below:
Nutrition Promotion Program for Behavior Change
Overweight and Obesity Management and Prevention Program
Upswing Nutrition in Emergencies
Regular Micronutrient Supplementation and Food Fortification
Infant and Young Child Feeding Program
Supplementary Feeding Program
Holistic Management of Severe and Moderate Acute Malnutrition
Nutrition in Sustainable Livelihood
Optimal Food Production
Water Sanitation and Hygiene
The barangay and municipal NAPs are expected to be formulated and approved before the end of each year. This writer who, together with the Municipal Nutrition Officer “branded” the program, takes pride in talking, sharing and soliciting support to the program, in every way as the municipality strives to contribute to attain a healthier Benguet – in all communities, schools and workplaces.