ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — Seven local government units (LGUs) in Romblon were recognized for being part of the first tranche in the implementation of the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) in the country.
The towns of Banton, Cajidiocan, Calatrava, Corcuera, Ferrol, San Jose, and Santa Maria have completed the verification process for the PMNP and earned 100 percent performance-based grants, which will be used for primary health care and nutrition commodities in their respective towns.
Additionally, the first tranche of LGUs will receive support for social and behavioral change communication strategies and the development of a harmonized information system.
Aside from these LGUs in Romblon, six other LGUs from Occidental Mindoro received the same grant to fight malnutrition.
In her message during the second leg of the nationwide Mayors Forum held at Quezon City on July 23, 2024, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that through the PMNP, LGUs will be able to solve the cycle of malnutrition by having an institutionalized structure for nutrition. “Now that we already have these resources to support us, we can really do this kind of intervention,” said Vergeire.
She also stressed that LGUs should not solely rely on feeding programs to eradicate malnutrition, as studies show that feeding programs can only provide a minimal impact on a child’s nutritional status.
The PMNP, a four-year project spearheaded by the DOH and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, aims to adopt a bold multi-sectoral approach to achieve nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions across various LGUs.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration launched the project last year to deliver services directly to LGUs needing intervention. This includes primary healthcare support and nutrition services, such as Early Childhood Care and Development services, as well as access to clean water and sanitation, technical information, training, and financing, among other facets. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
Photo above credit to Mayor Greggy Ramos, LGU Cajidiocan
