06/09/2025
Barangay Health Workers Undergo Training on Maternal, Child Health, and Nutrition in Inopacan
INOPACAN, LEYTE – Barangay health workers in Inopacan completed a two-day capacity development training on the Participative Nutrition Enhancement Approach (PNEA) from August 28 to 29, 2025, at the Municipal Function Hall.
The training aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in maternal and child health care, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and community-based nutrition program management. It was organized by the Municipal Government of Inopacan through the Rural Health Unit, in partnership with the PMNP HPG Project and the Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) of the Visayas State University–Main Campus.
Day 1 sessions focused on antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and the use of standard reporting forms for health and nutrition services. Resource speakers included public health professionals such as Dr. Josephine O. Zafico, Municipal Health Officer and Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Designate; Pamela O. Cerlos, RM; Alisa A. Geromo, RN; Adora L. Cariaga, RM; and Norma E. Bonganciso, RM.
On the second day, discussions centered on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023–2028, the role of BIDANI in program implementation, and the PNEA framework for barangay-level nutrition program management. Ms. Melodina P. Edullantes, Science Research Specialist and PNEA-BIDANI Coordinator, facilitated key sessions on malnutrition across the life cycle and monitoring tools for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and malnourished children.
The program concluded with a pledge of commitment from participants and a closing message from Dr. Zafico, emphasizing the role of barangay health workers in advancing maternal and child health and addressing malnutrition at the community level.