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The National Nutrition Council Governing Board (NNC GB) approves two new policies in its very first meeting for the year 2021. Assistant Secretary Alex V. Avila of DOLE presides the meeting. Of the 3 agenda items discussed, two policies were approved: (1)  Guidelines on Dietary Supplementation in the First 1000 Days (GDS F1K) and (2) the Joint Memorandum Circular on the National Dietary Supplementation Program (JMC NDSP). These are both essential to achieve  the targets of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) for 2022, particular on stunting and wasting. The other agenda for information of the board is the designation/appointment of the Scaling-Up Nutrition (SUN) adviser in the Philippines.

The GDS F1K is a much-awaited policy both in the national and local setting. It gives direction on the implementation of dietary supplementation (DS) for the pregnant and lactating women, infants 6-11 months old, and young children 12- 23 months old. The JMC NDSP is a complementary policy instrument to strengthen implementation of DS and improve the convergence among agencies, local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders. The resolution on SUN designates Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles as the adviser in the Philippines. CabSec Nograles will facilitate the elevation of nutrition agenda in the country. He will help in advocating more resources for nutrition, particularly among those in the legislature and in the executive branch. This resolution was pre-approved by NNC GB Chair Secretary Duque and circulated to NNC GB on 3 February 2021 for their signature. As of this date, four out of the nine GB members have signed the resolution.

The two policies will be routed to NNC GB principals for their signature through Ad Referendum. The NNC Secretariat will make sure to disseminate a copy to all stakeholders once the document is completely signed. Every implementing agencies of DS is expected to strictly follow the guidelines once completely disseminated.

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Pork Alternatives Banner 1Retailers and consumers are struggling nowadays from the expensive production and freight cost of pork. In some areas in Metro Manila, meat traders and vendors went on a pork holiday due to the imposed price cap by the government. Consumers are left with an option to look for alternative protein sources. Protein is a vital macronutrient needed for structural support and physiological functions such as tissue repair and nutrient absorption. One of the few misconceptions on the role of protein in the body is that people tend to link meat with protein and muscle building. Although this is partly correct, overemphasizing meat in the diet may crowd out other equally important food and nutrients [1].

Whether you are finding affordable meat alternatives that fit into your budget or just trying to add more plant-based food in your diet, here are some nutri-tips to get your daily protein needs.

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 2021020 2 Pager on SUN Business Network 1
 2021020 2 Pager on SUN Business Network 2

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3 Proper weight taking measurementIt is known that the first quarter of the year is one of the busiest times for the nutrition workers especially the Barangay Nutrition Scholars for the conduct of Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus.

OPT Plus is the annual weighing and height measurement of all preschool children 0-59 months old. This is conducted to identify and locate the malnourished children for referral to relevant nutrition and nutrition-related services.

Among the indicators quantified during OPT Plus is the number of underweight and severely underweight children. Weight gain is an indicator of growth while weight loss or no change in weight are indicators of poor growth.

Taking weight includes the proper measurement tools to ensure accuracy. The hanging weighing scale is commonly used during the OPT Plus. The scale can weigh up to 25 kg and is graduated by 0.1kg (100g) increments.