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The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region VII, Department of Health (DOH) Central Visayas Center for Health Development, and Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Dolores Aboitiz Children's Fund (RAFI-DACF) signed on October 17, 2023, a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement to promote and strengthen early childhood health and nutrition in local government units in Cebu Province.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Parolita A. Mission, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC Region VII; Dr. Jaime Bernadas, DOH Region VII Director; and Miraflor Enecio, Executive Director for Physical Well-Being Cluster at RAFI.
Under the agreement, the three organizations will co-design and implement programs to address challenges in early childhood health and nutrition. These involve capacitating government leaders, employees, and communities in Cebu Province to improve nutrition services and outcomes, and improving public awareness of the importance of early childhood education.
The three organizations will also share data, information, and knowledge related to nutrition; profile and identify potential beneficiaries; provide continuous training and technical assistance to selected pilot LGUs; and engage in partnership program management.
This initiative is aligned with the recently launched 2023–2028 Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, the country’s evidence-based framework for nutrition action, and a basis for collaboration among stakeholders, including non-government organizations and the private sector, toward adequate nutrition for all.
“We are happy and excited about this partnership. Earlier this month, when we launched the PPAN 2023–2028 in the Visayas, the NNC called on non-government organizations and the private sector to contribute to achieving nutrition outcomes. RAFI-DACF has graciously answered our call. Together, we hope to make a meaningful impact on the lives, health, and overall nutrition of our children,” said Dr. Parolita A. Mission, NNC Region VII Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator.
The PPAN’s goal is to reduce the five major nutrition and related problems across life stages, including undernutrition, overnutrition, micronutrient deficiency, inadequate infant and young child feeding practices, and food insecurity. | PR by National Nutrition Council Region VII