05/10/2025
LOOK| Philippine Integrated Management on Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM) Training Roll-Out for Children Under Five Years of Age (BATCH 1)
September 29 – October 3, 2025 | Santorini Hotel, Heaven Road, Marawi City
The Integrated Provincial Health Office of Lanao del Sur (IPHO-LDS), in collaboration with the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP)-BARMM, UNICEF, ACTION AGAINST HUNGER,MOH Nutrition, and the BARMM Regional Project Management Officers, successfully conducted the first batch of the Philippine Integrated Management on Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM) Training Roll-Out for children under five years of age on September 29 to October 3, 2025, at Santorini Hotel, Heaven Road, Marawi City. This activity forms part of the PMNP’s mission to deliver a coordinated package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions across LGUs, with the ultimate goal of reducing child malnutrition in the Bangsamoro region.
The training brought together municipal health officers, nurses, and nutrition focal persons from selected PMNP areas in Lanao del Sur. On behalf of Dr. Alinader D. Minalang, Provincial Health Officer II, the welcome message was delivered by Ma’am Sittiehaya L. Pangandaman, RN, Provincial Nutrition Coordinator. The program also featured a rationale and introduction to PMNP by Sir Derkie Alfonso (AAH), setting the stage for a series of technical modules and practical sessions.
Key discussions were facilitated by resource speakers, including Ma’am Norol-Annie D. Macapodi, RN (Introduction to PIMAM and Identification of GAM), Ma’am Rutchel Manuel of UNICEF (Community Mobilization), Dr. Nihaya P. Macasindil, DIPHM, DPCHA, CHA (Governance Review), Sir Assim T. Datumolok (Outpatient and Inpatient Therapeutic Care), and Dr. Nariman Lao Taha, Municipal Health Officer of Sultan Dumalondong RHU (Advanced Inpatient Therapeutic Care and MAM-TSFP). Their expertise enriched the sessions and provided participants with practical guidance to enhance local implementation of PIMAM.
Participants displayed strong engagement and cooperation throughout the training. They actively joined interactive discussions, return demonstrations, and role-playing activities, particularly on anthropometry measurement and counseling for mothers. These activities enhanced both their technical skills and communication approaches, ensuring they are equipped to address real-life nutrition challenges in their respective communities.
The training highlight was the community practicum, where participants applied their learning in actual field settings. A total of 15 children and mothers participated in the practicum, giving health workers the opportunity to practice accurate anthropometric assessments and provide personalized counseling. This hands-on activity bridged theory and practice, instilling confidence in participants to manage acute malnutrition cases effectively at the grassroots level.
Under the leadership of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Alinader D. Minalang, and with the support of the Provincial Nutrition Team, this training successfully built the capacity of local health workers to strengthen community-based nutrition programs. Dr. Minalang emphasized the greater purpose of the initiative, stating: “This training is more than a technical exercise—it is about saving children’s lives, building trust in our health system, and fostering a shared commitment to a healthier Bangsamoro. Each effort toward better nutrition is a powerful step toward hope and survival. Through your dedication, we bring this hope closer to every child and mother who needs it most.”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Health – BARMM, under the leadership of Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, Jr., PMNP-BARMM, UNICEF, ACTION AGAINST HUNGER,MOH Nutrition, and the BARMM Regional Project Management Officers for their vital role in making this training possible. Their partnership and support have been essential in empowering health workers and advancing nutrition services in Lanao del Sur.
This training may have concluded, but it marks the beginning of a stronger, more purposeful commitment to addressing child malnutrition. Together, let us strive for a Bangsamoro where no child suffers from malnutrition.
“Sa Bangsamoro Nutrition, mahalaga: Zero SAM, Zero MAM.”
