NutriLEAP Monitoring and Coaching Visit: Strengthening Nutrition Governance in the Provinces

From March 10-13, 2025, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) visited the provinces of Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Dinagat Islands. The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration with local government leaders and nutrition teams under ZFF’s Nutrition Leadership and Equity Acceleration Program (NutriLEAP), finalize program strategies, and align next steps for improving nutrition governance in these provinces.

Governors and key provincial health and nutrition officers welcomed the ZFF team:

• In Cotabato, Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza discussed the importance of strengthening values and moral responsibilities within households to ensure sustainable child-rearing and nutrition. “Providing proper nutrition is a fundamental obligation of the family,” she said. Alongside provincial health officials, she suggested ways to enhance nutrition programs through governance and community engagement. 
• In Dinagat Islands, Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. stressed the long-term benefits of investing in nutrition, stressing that it plays a crucial role in shaping a productive and competitive future generation. “By prioritizing nutrition, we can raise healthier children who excel both academically and physically. This not only benefits individual well-being but also contributes to a more efficient and sustainable economy,” he shared. The team worked closely with local officials to update their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Action Plan and explore the inclusion of NutriLEAP activities in their supplemental budget to Local Government Units (LGUs).

• The visit to Davao del Sur focused on introducing the ZFF’s nutrition programs under Pook Malusog, to the province. Dr. Reden Bersaldo, Provincial Health Officer, noted that “nutrition is a whole package approach to governance,” reinforcing the need for comprehensive strategies. A follow-up presentation is scheduled in April to confirm the province’s commitment, with plans to present the initiative to the Governor after the local elections.
• In Davao Oriental, provincial leaders finalized their learning tracks and implementation plans, ensuring alignment with their nutrition priorities. The province is set to conduct their first Nutrition and Health Leadership for Resilience (NutriHeaL) Module in late April, followed by a Health and Nutrition Summit in August.

Throughout the visits, the team facilitated coaching and mentoring discussions. They also established communication and coordination mechanisms between LGUs and assigned staff, identifying potential schedules for signing Memorandums of Understanding to formalize partnerships. By working closely with local leaders and health officials, ZFF through NutriLEAP ensures that each province’s strategy aligns with its unique needs, paving the way for stronger and more effective nutrition governance.

Related articles:

• NutriLEAP: A Pathway to Healthier Provinces
• Dinagat Islands Strengthen Nutrition Governance Through NutriLEAP