ASSESSMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE PLAN OF ACTION FOR NUTRITION (PPAN) LOCALIZATION IN SELECTED MUNICIPALITIES IN IFUGAO, BULACAN AND SIQUIJOR, PHILIPPINES

摘要

This study was undertaken to characterize the local level implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) in selected municipalities in Ifugao, Bulacan and Siquijor, Philippines. A qualitative study design was used to describe how nutrition programs are implemented in the selected barangays. Participatory approaches and appreciative inquiry processes were observed during data collection. Perspectives from the Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) were explored. Qualitative techniques of data collection such as key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussion (FGD) were used to collect information. Documents review was also done. The study revealed characteristics that contributed to the positive outcome of the local level of implementation of the PPAN. The following factors drive the smooth implementation of nutrition program base on the respondents viewpoint: strong political support, functional nutrition committees, MNAO's function purely dedicated to nutrition program, MNAO with other primary function but with strong support from a nutrition worker and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) with high morale due to community's recognition of their credibility and who receive constant coaching and mentoring from MNAO or senior BNS colleagues. Based on respondents' perceptions, the following elements include, strong inter-agency collaboration among members of the nutrition committees, collective planning and formulation of the nutrition action plans and resourcefulness and innovativeness of the MNAOs, their commitment to deliver nutrition services in the community despite the limited resources to support their capacity building, contributed to better implementation of local nutrition program. As a way forward, there is a need to scale up this study to cover a more representative cross-section of provinces and municipalities to be able to generate recommendations for policy improvement and reduce gap in program implementation.