Computer program seen to help fight malnutrition

CEBU, Philippines — Malnutrition in the barangays of Cebu City is expected to be better addressed with the barangay nutritionists getting access to a computer program that will help them evaluate data in terms of malnutrition assessment.

 The program was introduced to the barangay nutritionists by the Philippine Association of Nutrition Incorporated.

Earlier, the Cebu City Nutrition Council reported that around 2,888 children in the city are considered malnourished. To address this concern, barangay nutritionists gathered for a Barangay Nutrition Action Officers Forum at the Cebu City Hall Legislative Social Hall.

The barangay nutritionists were oriented on the “Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol” (MELLPI-Pro).

The MELLPI-Pro is a computer program monitoring tool where the barangay nutritionists input data and generate reports through it.

Piladelfa Gaviola of the Philippine Association of Nutrition Inc. said that it was the National Nutrition Council that commissioned the creation of the MELLPI-Pro to have a system to evaluate data, especially in terms of malnutrition assessment.

“The MELLPI-Pro is also very important so you can also monitor and evaluate your plans as well, kay magtinabangay lang sab ta para atong ma-decrease ang malnutrition,” Gaviola was quoted in a dispatch from the city public information office.

The generated results will be used as basis for the barangay’s nutrition action plan to address deficiencies in the local nutrition program implementation and can also be used as a reference in the future.

Among the key points in the MELLPI-Pro system is the evaluation of the barangay’s implementation of nutrition laws and policies, delivery of the services, and identification of the type of nutritional interventions they have undertaken.

“Investing in good nutrition is good governance, that is why we are here to discuss this so we can formulate a plan on how we can decrease malnutrition in our barangays,” added Gaviola.

Prior to the said forum and orientation, the Cebu City Nutrition Office also spearheaded a nutrition awareness campaign attended by barangay nutritionists of the 80 barangays of the city.

Emma F. Sevilla from the City’s Nutrition Office (CNO) said the establishment of its own office paves the way for barangays to implement their respective nutrition programs. Sevilla said they look forward to being in touch with the barangays as CNO staffers are fully equipped with the knowledge in combating malnutrition.

“Ayaw lang gyud mo og kaikog kay naa ra mi motabang ug maghimo ug mga programa para sa kaayohan sa atong siyudad,” said Sevilla. — FPL (FREEMAN)