Photo by: UPLB Family MUAC Team
Crown Plaza Hotel, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte—The Family MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference), a community screening approach wherein caregivers are trained to assess the nutritional status of their children (6-59 months) using a MUAC tape, was successfully launched on December 11, 2024. The event was participated by 135 participants from municipalities of Godod, Leon B. Postigo, Siayan, and Sindangan including barangay chairpersons, councilors, community health workers, municipal staff, and the project team.
Representatives from partner organizations, including UNICEF, the Department of Health (DOH), National Nutrition Council (NNC), and leaders from the participating municipalities were also present. The launching activity engaged different stakeholders at all levels, familiarized them with the Family MUAC project and its objectives, outlined their roles and responsibilities, and reaffirmed the support of LGU officials.
Dr. Ma. Bella Ponferrada, UNICEF Philippines Nutrition Specialist, delivered the welcome remarks, followed by a message from Ms. Luz B. Tagunicar, Supervising Health Program Officer of the DOH’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau. Professor Ma. Theresa Talavera from UP Los Baños introduced the Family MUAC approach, highlighting its importance, objectives, and phases.
Commitment messages from the participating municipalities were delivered by their respective representatives: Vice Mayor Hon. Samuel Labad (Godod), Ms. Josephine Joven (Human Resources for Health-Nurse Deployment Program of Leon B. Postigo), Mr. Rex J. Dalman (Siayan’s Municipal Administrator), and Dr. Rex Samson (Sindangan’s Municipal Health Officer). The participants then recited the pledge for Family MUAC. To symbolize mutual support and commitment, each municipality participated in a ceremonial signing on a commitment wall, followed by a group photo.
Participating municipalities (from top left to bottom right): Godod, Leon B. Postigo, Siayan, Sindangan
Photo by: UPLB Family MUAC Team
The event concluded with a closing message from Ms. Ma. Charina Maneja-University Researcher II of CISC and Family MUAC project leader, who expressed gratitude to the participants and optimism about future collaborations.
Family MUAC Project Team Leader, Ms. Charina Maneja
Photo by: UPLB Family MUAC Team
Following the launching event, a two-day workshop, held on December 12–13, 2024, was conducted to collaboratively develop a comprehensive and realistic plan for implementing the Family MUAC model locally alongside the Municipal Nutrition Council (MNC) members. The MNC members of Godod, Leon B. Postifo, Sindangan, and Siayan created detailed, community-specific implementation plans for the Family MUAC approach on the first day. These plans included clear and measurable goals to ensure effective execution and outcomes.
Photo by: UPLB Family MUAC Team
The second day focused on social and behavior change (SBC). Mr. James Alim, an educational content developer, introduced SBC concepts, emphasizing its importance in implementing Family MUAC. Each municipality developed comprehensive personas representing target stakeholder segments, ensuring the creation of human-centered strategies tailored to specific needs and contexts. Participants also developed strategic and culturally relevant SBC approaches.
Photo by: UPLB Family MUAC Team
The workshop concluded with a closing message from Ms. Ma. Charina Maneja UR II, the project leader. Moving forward, the next phase of activities will focus on the 12-month implementation of the local plans created by the participating municipalities, along with the continuous improvement of the Family MUAC model. A training session for trainers is also scheduled for March 2025.
