Investing in a Healthier Future: Local Nutrition Planning for Basilan Towns
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From July 28 to 30, 2025, Planning, Budget, Health, and Nutrition Officers from Lamitan City, and from the second batch of the Municipal Nutrition Governance Program (MNGP) representing five Basilan municipalities of Al-Barka, Hadji Muhtamad, Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Tabuan Lasa, and Ungkaya Pukan gathered in Zamboanga City for a three-day Local Nutrition Action Planning Workshop.
The workshop focused on one goal: helping each municipality invest in its people’s health, especially children. The theme, Investing for my Municipality’s Future, guided participants in shaping practical and evidence-based Local Nutrition Action Plans (LNAPs).
With support from the Zuellig Family Foundation, the sessions covered nutrition data analysis, problem tree exercises, target-setting, activity planning, and funding strategies. By the end of the workshop, LGUs were on track to finalize strong, multisectoral plans that tackle malnutrition and promote child development.
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This aims to support the Basilan HELPS program, the flagship initiative of Governor Mujiv Hataman. HELPS stands for Health, Education and Environmental Protection, Livelihood and Economic Development, Public Safety and Security, and Social Cohesion—key pillars of inclusive development in the province.
Throughout the workshop, Nadzwa Sabandal, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, and Minsara Muarip, OIC-Provincial Planning and Development Officer, provided guidance grounded in local experience. Their involvement helped ensure that the plans were realistic, responsive, and aligned with provincial goals.
The workshop sent a strong message: nutrition is not just a health agenda, but a key part of local development. It is a shared responsibility across all levels of government.