Implementation Model of Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag Nanay Act for the selected LGUs of Camarines Sur

Abstract

This study aimed to have an Implementation Model of Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag Nanay Act for the selected LGUs in Camarines Sur. The goal was to improve healthcare delivery and nutritional status among infants and young children from zero to two years old, adolescent females, pregnant, and lactating women. Specifically, the study determined the following objectives 1.  To describe the administrative capability of the selected LGUs in Camarines Sur that implement RA 11148 or First 1000 Days Law in terms of a. health workforce capacity, b. budget allocation, c. facilities, d. local legislation & policy support, e. monitoring and evaluation;  2. To determine the performance of the selected LGUs in implementing the RA 11148 or First 1000 Days Law in the following areas, a. good nutrition, b. adequate nutrition, c. opportunities for early education, d. responsive caregiving, and  e. safety and security; 3. To identify the factors that influence the implementation of RA 11148 of the selected LGUs in Camarines Sur; 4. To propose an Enhanced Implementation Model of RA 11148 for the selected LGUs in Camarines Sur. The study utilized the descriptive research design, a purposeful sampling method involving the application of a questionnaire as the main data gathering instrument among the identified 24 municipal nutrition action officers and 1 city nutrition action officer of the selected LGUs in Camarines Sur, supplemented by focus group discussion. The statistical tools used were the percentage technique and weighted mean. Findings, for the health workforce, there is no full-time MNAO in the LGUs, there is budget allocation and coordination among different departments and agencies within the LGU to support the programs and activities, the LGU actively engages with community leaders and organizations to promote awareness and participation in F1KD programs and activities and the LGU collaborates with external partners to supplement resources for acquiring facilities and equipment for RA 11148 implementation. The performance, for good health, adequate nutrition, responsive caregiving, all indicators under this category as Agree. Security and Safety indicates that open defecation cases or reports still persist in the LGU (or ZOD coverage is incomplete), serving as an environmental health and sanitation bottleneck for implementing Republic Act 11148. The factors that influence the implementation, political barrier, lack of support from the LGU and lack of materials/equipment is not a hindrance in implementing the RA 11148. While a strong commitment to the job and good communication between the nutrition staff and clients is observed. The following conclusions were drawn there is a need for LGUs to provide manpower such as a full-time Municipal/City Nutrition Action Officer, improvement of the administrative capability should be given focus. LGUs should enhance their performance in terms of safety and security, such as sanitation. LGUs should consider upscaling of the factors on shortage of transportation services as well as limitations on funding for F1KD services while the other factors should likewise be promoted and Enhanced Implementation Model is proposed.