By Cecile Maloles
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA)—In an effort to bring nutrition education closer to communities, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Calabarzon is set to establish more LHEARN—or Learning Hubs for Enhanced and Revitalized Nutrition—across the region.
These hubs are envisioned as strategic spaces for learning, capacity building, and collaboration, where local stakeholders can access technical knowledge and resources to implement effective nutrition interventions.
Karyssa Marielle R. Almazan, RND, Development Management Officer II and Regional Program Coordinator of NNC Calabarzon, emphasized the importance of equipping local government units (LGUs) and communities with sustained technical support.
“We are focusing on building the capabilities of LGUs and ensuring that communities receive the necessary technical assistance to implement nutrition programs that are both responsive and sustainable,” Almazan said.
Almazan also highlighted that LHEARN Hubs will serve not only as information centers but as platforms for empowering local nutrition workers and stakeholders through continuous training and engagement.
The first LHEARN Hub in the Calabarzon region was established in Tagaytay City in 2021. Since then, it has served as a benchmarking site and a learning area for nutrition workers, local government units (LGUs), and partner agencies seeking to strengthen their local nutrition initiatives.
Tagaytay’s City Nutrition Program Coordinator, Mayet Dogelio, shared that the hub continues to draw interest from LGUs across the region.
“To date, Sariaya, Tayaba, Pililia, Baras, Talavera LGUs have already availed the LHEARN program,” Dogelio noted, highlighting its impact as a model for strengthening local capacity
The initiative aligns with national efforts under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, which seeks to combat malnutrition through inclusive, grassroots-level solutions.
