Pasig City, Philippines—The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Center for Governance (CFG), successfully held the “Course on Local Initiatives for Key Nutrition Outcomes and Strategies” on October 21-24, 2025, under the Capability Building Program for the Province of Antique.
The four-day course gathered 24 local leaders and key functionaries from provincial and municipal offices from the Province of Antique to enhance their capacities in addressing nutrition challenges through data-driven and innovative approaches.
In her welcome message, DAP CFG Director Jannis T. Montañez emphasized the importance of smart and evidence-based interventions in public nutrition programs and recognized the critical role of local government units as catalysts for improved health and nutrition outcomes.
Experts and practitioners shared valuable insights during the course, including Dr. Cecilio L. Adorna, former UNICEF Country Representative; Ma. Lilibeth P. Dasco and Maja Bethzaida S. Decena from DOST- Food and Nutrition Research Institute; Luningning Rhodes, District Nutrition Program Coordinator of the Province of Quirino; and Daniel Rosero, from DAP CFG.Participants also joined a benchmarking activity in Muntinlupa City, where they observed the city’s innovative local nutrition practices and gathered lessons that can be adapted in their localities.
Through workshops, participants identified local nutrition priorities and came up with actionable interventions to strengthen nutrition outcomes in their respective LGUs.
In her closing message, DAP Vice President Imelda C. Caluen underscored that nutrition governance anchored on reliable data, inclusive planning, and citizen participation can significantly uplift communities.
VP Caluen also relayed the message of Sen. Loren Legarda, who called for urgent, sustained efforts to fight malnutrition:
“Malnutrition continues to weigh heavily on our people, especially on children. Across Antique and much of the Philippines, the persistent rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight remind us how urgent the fight against malnutrition remains… may this training inspire concrete action plans and strengthen our shared commitment to build healthier, smarter, and more inclusive communities.”
The program concluded with the awarding of certificates and special recognitions for exemplary participation.
The Course on Local Initiatives for Key Nutrition Outcomes and Strategies forms part of DAP’s ongoing capability-building efforts promoting smart, sustainable, and inclusive local governance, It follows earlier multi-sectoral courses on agriculture and MSME Development, designed to help Antique’s local governments implement priority actions for inclusive growth and sustainable development.