National Nutrition Council Region VIII

23/09/2026

IN PHOTOS: Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (RNPC) Dr. Catalino P. Dotollo, Jr. leads a coaching and mentoring session for the local government of Borongan City, Eastern Samar. The activity served as an interactive platform to review the city’s current nutrition landscape, evaluate ongoing interventions, and identify strategic measures to strengthen grassroots implementation. The high-level technical engagement was warmly graced by Borongan City Mayor Hon. Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, who reaffirmed the local administration's steadfast commitment to prioritizing nutrition and health governance across the city.

Joining the productive session were Borongan City’s Designate City Nutrition Action Officer and Nutrition Officer II Jassie Acla, alongside NNC Region VIII technical personnel, including Nutrition Officer III Annabel Limbagan and Administrative Assistant I Jesabel Galanida. Through collaborative dialogue and expert technical assistance, the Region VIII team worked closely with local health leaders to align Borongan City's nutrition initiatives with regional standards, ensuring more efficient delivery of health and nutrition services to its communities.

via: RKAE

23/09/2026

Boosting Regional Nutrition: Region VIII RNC Approves Policy Resolutions, MELLPI Pro Results, and 2025 Awardees

In a major stride toward accelerating nutrition governance and to further strengthen the policy environment and mainstream nutrition initiatives across Eastern Visayas, the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) formally passed and approved nine (9) policy resolutions and officially approved the results of the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro) for Local Government Units (LGUs) and Local Nutrition Focal Points (LNFPs) during its committee meeting, Yesterday, September 22 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

The meeting, presided over by the Regional Nutrition Committee Chairperson, DOH EV-CHD Regional Director Exuperia B. Sabalberino alongside acting Regional Director of Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Gloren R. Hinlo and member agencies, marked a pivotal milestone in evaluating local nutrition interventions and recognizing top-performing local governance units and grassroots health workers across the region.

The activity provided an avenue to passed the 9-resolution designed to translate strategic nutrition targets into concrete local actions, regional directives addresses institutional gaps, frontline capacity, and cross-sector coordination across Eastern Visayas. Thus, the approval of these policy directives aims to resolve structural bottlenecks, improve program reach, and foster institutional sustainability in combatting malnutrition problem in the region.

Moreover, the meeting also highlighted the presentation and official endorsement of the MELLPI Pro evaluation results. Designed as the premium monitoring tool for the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), MELLPI Pro evaluates both LGU performance in program implementation and the individual achievements of LNFPs—including Provincial, City, and Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (P/C/MNAOs), District Nutrition Program Coordinators (DNPCs), and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs).

The committee officially confirmed the list of the 2025 Regional Nutrition Awardees. Honoring exemplary performance, the awardees represent LGUs and LNFPs that demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, and measurable outcomes in nutrition program management. Additionally, the confirmed regional awardees will be formally feted during the upcoming Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC).

The Regional Nutrition Committee VIII reiterated that the success of regional nutrition policies depends heavily on local governance. With the approval of the nine resolutions and the recognition of local nutrition champions, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to building resilient, well-nourished communities throughout Eastern Visayas in line with national development targets.

via: RKAE

22/09/2026

In photos: The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET), Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG), and Regional Nutrition Cluster (RNCl) convened for a joint meeting on September 21, 2026, at Liberation Hall, Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City, Leyte.

The meeting brought together 20 representatives from various partner agencies across the region to discuss the results of the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro) for local government units (LGUs). The meeting also featured a presentation on the activities undertaken by participating agencies in support of disaster preparedness and nutrition in emergencies.

The joint meeting served as an avenue to strengthen interagency coordination, facilitate the sharing of updates and good practices, and enhance collaborative efforts toward more responsive and effective nutrition programs and interventions at the local level.

via: AFJAngub

16/09/2026

The National Nutrition Council Regional Nutrition Office 8 congratulates and welcomes its new Executive Director IV ED Rodley Desmond Daniel M. Carza, MPH, RN.

We are incredibly excited to work under your leadership. Your background specialty, in health promotion is a fantastic asset to our current initiatives, especially in policy and coordination efforts to lower down the triple burden of malnutrition in particular and subsequently improve nutrition outcomes.

Please let us know how we can best support you as you settle in this week. We look forward to our first meeting with you.

Welcome aboard to National Nutrition Council ED Rodley!

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹, 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗩 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗠. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘇𝗮, 𝗠𝗣𝗛, 𝗥𝗡!🇵🇭🎉

The National Nutrition Council Region VII warmly welcomes you to the NNC family!

Your appointment brings valuable expertise and experience in public health, policy development, and health promotion that will further strengthen the Council’s efforts in advancing the country’s nutrition agenda.

NNC Region VII looks forward to working with you in strengthening multisectoral nutrition governance, promoting nutrition-responsive programs and policies, and accelerating efforts to address malnutrition toward better nutrition outcomes for every Filipino.

As we welcome you to this new chapter, may your leadership inspire stronger partnerships and renewed commitment to our shared mission of championing nutrition, fighting malnutrition, and building a healthier and stronger nation.

16/09/2026

NNC 8 conducts Nutrition Shepherding in ES

The Regional Nutrition Office 8 of the the National Nutrition Council goes to Eastern Samar to conduct Regional Nutrition Shepherding for the province of Eastern Samar (ES) and Borongan City.

The Regional nutrition shepherding is a peer-learning and mentoring program run by the National Nutrition Council (NNC). It pairs regional line agency experts with local government units (LGUs) that struggle with high rates of malnutrition or has challenging program performance. It works in the context of peer mentoring, coaching and support.

In peer mentoring, a Regional Nutrition Shepherding Team (RNST) visits priority municipalities, cities and provinces. The team mentors the partner LGU on specific issues at hand. While in coaching, regional line agency experts coach local nutrition workers on better management and operations.meanwhile, the team also support a challenging-performing areas so they can meetnutrition goals.

To scale up the implementation of the Nutrition Shepherding, RNO 8 invited the municipality of Sulat to join the program.

In this visit, local nutrition committee of the 3 LGUs joined in the updating of their respective local nutrition plan. Nutrition Officer III Annabel B. Limbagan presented the nutrition situation of the province of Eastern Samar including Borongan City. Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Dr. Catalino P.DotolloJr. Discussed the 12 indicators local nutrition functionally assessment highlighting the various means of verification (MOV) in each of the indicators.

NO III Limbagan facilitated the workshops on good practice, challenge and emerging issues. The workshop also included updating the LGUs nutrition situation and outcome targets including new entry PPAs to be added to the updated LNAPs. After the workshop each of the Nutrition Action Officer of the three LGUs presented and shared their outputs. Meanwhile, DILG representative elucidated inputs during the workshop and made comments during the presentations.

CPDotollo

11/09/2026

STRENGTHENING NUTRITION LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE IN LGU ZUMARRAGA, SAMAR

Members of the Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC) of LGU Zumarraga, Samar were capacitated through the Nutrition Leadership and Governance – Nutrition Program Management (NLG-NPM) conducted on September 7–10, 2026, at XYZ Hotel, Tacloban City.

The four-day activity brought together the Municipal Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Sangguniang Bayan members, and other key MNC members, providing a valuable platform to strengthen their leadership and governance capacities in managing and sustaining local nutrition programs.

Beyond gaining knowledge and skills, the activity encouraged participants to take a closer look at the nutrition situation of their municipality, identify gaps and challenges, and develop practical and collaborative solutions to address local nutrition concerns. Emphasis was placed on the critical role of local leadership in translating nutrition plans into concrete actions and meaningful results.

Participants strengthened their appreciation of data-driven decision-making, strategic planning, resource mobilization, coordination, monitoring, and shared accountability to ensure that nutrition interventions effectively reach families and communities who need them most.

The active participation of the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Sangguniang Bayan members, and other MNC members highlighted the importance of a whole-of-LGU approach to nutrition. It reinforced the message that nutrition is not the responsibility of one office, sector, or individual; rather, it is a shared commitment that requires strong leadership, collective action, and sustained collaboration.

A significant highlight of the activity was the advocacy for strengthened nutrition leadership and institutional capacity at the municipal level. RNPC Catalino P. Dotollo Jr. of the National Nutrition Council Regional Nutrition Office VIII emphasized to the Municipal Mayor and Sangguniang Bayan members the importance of designating a dedicated, full-time Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO), supported by an adequate technical and administrative staff complement, to provide sustained leadership, coordination, and support for the effective implementation of nutrition programs in the municipality.

The advocacy underscored that investing in a dedicated nutrition office and personnel is vital to strengthening local nutrition governance, ensuring sustained attention to nutrition priorities and more effective coordination of interventions across sectors. The NNC Regional Nutrition Office VIII looks forward to the positive response and commitment of the Municipal Mayor and the MNC toward strengthening the municipality's nutrition office and personnel complement, including the designation of a full-time MNAO.

A key outcome of the activity was the identification of concrete commitments and strategies to strengthen nutrition governance and program implementation in Zumarraga. These commitments represent important steps toward turning plans into action, strengthening accountability, and achieving measurable improvements in nutrition outcomes.

Through the NLG-NPM, LGU Zumarraga continues to demonstrate its commitment to localizing the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023–2028 and strengthening a responsive, collaborative, and results-oriented local nutrition governance system.


ABLimbagan

10/09/2026

In photos: The Harmonized Initiatives of Media for the Spread of Good Nutrition in Region VIII (HIMSOG-8) held its meeting at Cafe Teresa, Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City, on September 8, 2026.

The meeting brought together representatives from various media partners across the region, including 98.3 Magik News FM, DYFE 97.5 FM, PBS Southern Leyte, PBS Calbayog, SamarNews, The Vanguard, and the Philippine Information Agency, together with the National Nutrition Council Region VIII staff.

Through collaboration and shared commitment to nutrition advocacy, HIMSoG-8 continues to serve at the forefront, promoting good nutrition by utilizing the power and reach of media to disseminate information, engage, and inspire communities to participate, learn, and be one in championing “Nutrisyong Sapat, Para sa Lahat!”

AFAngub

10/09/2026

NNC Region VIII Mobilizes Local Leaders to Revamp 2026–2028 Nutrition Strategies


Tacloban City—To strengthen grassroots healthcare governance and combat malnutrition across Eastern Visayas, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region VIII successfully facilitated the Local Nutrition Action Plan (LNAP) 2026–2028 Updating Workshop from September 8 to 9 in Liberation Hall, Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

The two-day strategic workshop brought together provincial and city nutrition program coordinators, planning officers, and multi-sectoral stakeholders. The initiative aimed to systematically align local operational targets with evolving regional health dynamics and national policy frameworks ahead of the 2026–2028 implementation cycle.

During the workshop, participating local government units systematically evaluated their previous implementation cycles, showcasing key accomplishments—such as expanded community interventions and cross-sectoral collaboration—while pinpointing critical service gaps, operational bottlenecks, and emerging health issues. To address these challenges, LGUs realigned their local programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) with the four core pillars of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN). Using baseline 2026 data and structured "Problem Tree" analyses, local planners unraveled the root causes of stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity, directly linking household food insecurity and service gaps to community outcomes to establish precise, data-driven targets for the 2026–2028 operational window.

The workshop culminated in a shared commitment among LGUs to finalize their drafted operational matrices, ensuring these updated strategies are fully integrated into broader local development agendas. These technical outputs will undergo final internal reviews before formal presentation to respective Local Nutrition Committees for official policy adoption and dedicated funding allocation. Through this collaborative updating process, NNC Region VIII continues to reinforce local governance, promote multi-sectoral accountability, and drive sustained, community-based health and nutrition improvements across Eastern Visayas.

RKAEmbodo

07/09/2026

Upskilling the Essential Roles and Functions of Barangay Nutrition Scholars: 3-Day BNS Refresher Course Training

Local Government Unit of Paranas, Samar | September 1–3, 2026

In every local community across the Philippines, Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) serve as a vital bridge between grassroots communities and government nutrition initiatives. Mandated under Presidential Decree No. 1569, these dedicated volunteer nutrition workers monitor the growth of infants and young children, identify cases of malnutrition, educate caregivers, and deliver essential nutrition and nutrition-related services.

Because public health standards, health-monitoring technologies, and local policies continually evolve, the Barangay Nutrition Scholar Refresher Course Training plays a crucial role in maintaining high-quality nutrition and nutrition-related services at the community level.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to community health and nutrition, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Paranas, Samar initiated this capacity-building effort to empower its BNS workers. The initiative was spearheaded by Hon. Mayor Elvira U. Babalcon, together with Ms. Bernice Jessica A. Enguerra (Municipal Nutrition Action Officer) and members of the Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC). Investing in these scholars strengthens the municipality's frontline defense against maternal and child malnutrition, helping build healthier and more resilient communities from the ground up.

The three-day training program was conducted and facilitated by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region VIII, led by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (RNPC) Catalino P. Dotollo, Jr., DPA, MPH, MAN, PSNT, along with Nutrition Officer II Kristine Mae H. Colis, RN.

The refresher course training re-engaged and upskilled active BNS workers, ensuring their competencies remain sharp and aligned with current national healthcare standards. Key focus areas included: sharpening technical skills, updating public health and nutrition protocols, improving data management, and enhancing community counseling.

The expected community impact of this refresher training translates directly into improved health outcomes for local families, including early malnutrition detection, reliable local data, and sustained volunteer morale.

Thirty BNSs of Paranas, Samar were upskilled and are ready to continue serving the community with excellence and efficiency.






KMHColis

02/09/2026

We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the final winners of our July Nutrition Month Nutri-Quiz. Thank you for your unrelenting support for Nutrition. We hope you continue to show support to our initiatives.



Please note that we already sent the prizes to the final winners. Damo nga salamat!