Focusing on People: ZFF and LGUs Strengthen Nutrition and Health Systems in Surigao del Norte

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) continues to work alongside the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Del Carmen and San Francisco, Surigao del Norte, under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilient and Sustainable Communities). The partnership aims to improve health and nutrition systems as part of building resilience against disruptions like natural disasters and addressing ongoing issues such as hunger and malnutrition.

During the midline assessment validation on November 11-12, 2024, municipal leaders reviewed their progress on the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) nutrition roadmaps. The discussion focused on milestones achieved and remaining gaps in health and nutrition governance, as identified in the past year’s data.

with Mayor Alfredo Coro II, Del Carmen

Mayors Alfredo Coro II of Del Carmen and Val Pinat of San Francisco led the session, highlighting strategies for improving health outcomes based on assessment results. Mayor Coro shared a key insight: “Inuna namin ang social determinants of health and nutrition, dahil paulit-ulit pa rin ang problema kung hindi naka-sentro sa tao ang solusyon.” (“We prioritized the social determinants of health and nutrition because the problems keep recurring if the solutions are not centered on people.”)

with Mayor Val Pinat, San Francisco

The session featured presentations from the Municipal Nutrition Action Officer and the Municipal Agriculturist of Del Carmen, who showcased the Farm-to-Spoon Program. This initiative connects food stability efforts with targeted nutrition interventions, specifically supporting nutritionally at-risk families among farmers and fisherfolk.

Module 2 of the Nutrition and Health Leadership for Resilience learning track as part of the Project TRANSFORM, conducted last November 14-15, 2024, emphasized adaptive leadership and team resilience. With tools for better governance, the module aimed to reinforce good practices that strengthen local nutrition systems, making them more responsive and functional.

Collaboration with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, the National Nutrition Council of CARAGA, Department of Health (DOH)-Surigao del Norte, and various national and local partners has led to significant progress. Both municipalities have reported improvements in their F1KD nutrition roadmaps, setting a strong foundation for further action against malnutrition.

The journey continues, with both LGUs committed to enhancing their health systems and sustaining their gains, even beyond Project TRANSFORM’s timelines.