Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 1

PHASE 3 OF NPM: MONITORING

AND EVALUATION
This module presents an overview of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) as the third phase of
NPM. It emphasizes in nutrition planning that M&E must be built into the program or project.
Thus, provision for M&E during the planning stage of a project or program ensures that it is
properly implemented, targets are reached, and important revisions are done and
recommendations are implemented. Furthermore, the module explains the steps in conducting
M&E activities (Figure 6.1).

Figure 6.1. A Barangay Nutrition Scholar explaining to an evaluator the nutrition situation in her
barangay.

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 2

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Lesson Title Page

1 Reviewing the Monitoring and Evaluation Process 5

2 Conducting Monitoring and Evaluation 14

Exercise
6.1 Identifying and Assessing the M&E Activities 17

LIST OF FIGURES AND MATRICES

Figure Title Page

6.1 A Barangay Nutrition Scholar explaining to an evaluator the 2

nutrition situation in her barangay
6.2 Phase 3: Monitoring and Evaluation in the NPM cycle 5
6.3 A sample of wallchart posted in a nutrition office 16
Matrix

6.1 Example of the three-year evaluation of LNAP 15

6.2 Example of the three-year monitoring program/project of LNAP 15

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 3

 ACRONYMS
BNS Barangay Nutrition Scholar
CROWN Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition
D/C/MNPC District/City/Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinator
DNPCAP District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators Association of the
Philippines, Inc.
LCE Local chief executive
LGU Local Government Unit
LNAP Local Nutrition Action Plan
LNC Local Nutrition Committee
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MELLPI Pro Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol
NAO Nutrition Action Officer
NAOPA Nutrition Action Officers Association of the Philippines, Inc.
NGO Non-government organization
NHA Nutrition Honor Award
NNC National Nutrition Council
NOBNS National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar
NPM Nutrition Program Management
P/C/MNAO Provincial/City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officer
PIR Plan Implementation Review

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 4

 LESSON 1
Reviewing the Monitoring and Evaluation Process
After completing Lesson 1, you are expected to:

1. explain the link of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in the overall NPM cycle;
2. describe the monitoring and evaluation system implemented at the national and local
levels; and
3. describe the updated Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation
Protocol (MELLPI Pro) tool in conducting M&E.

Locating M&E in the NPM cycle Figure 6.2 shows where M&E fits in the NPM cycle.

Figure 6.2. Phase 3: Monitoring and evaluation in the NPM cycle.

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 5

If the M&E system has been approved as contained in the local nutrition action plan (LNAP), the
next step is to carry out the M&E activity as follows:

1. The local nutrition council (LNC) organizes an M&E team from among its members. The
M&E team leads the activities but does not exclude the other members of the LNC in
participating in its activities;
2. Review M&E scheme that is part of the LNAP;
3. Develop M&E tools;
4. Carryout M&E scheme;
5. Conduct LNC meeting to present and discuss results of monitoring. During the meeting, the
LNC agrees on changes in the LNAP which specific activity/project will be continued,
modified or stopped; and
6. For the evaluation aspect, the LNC may conduct a Plan Implementation Review (PIR);
prepares and submits the accomplishment reports.

The LNC should also consider the national guidelines for M&E of nutritional status and
programs. Planning and monitoring are closely linked. Planning sets the course and monitoring
ensures that things stay on course. In terms of timing, planning is anticipatory as it determines
objectives, goals, strategies, and schedule before the project implementation. On the other
hand, monitoring is an ongoing process, which involves directing implementation towards the
maintenance of standards, implementing corrections, and obtaining feedback.

When monitoring activities or results, it is necessary to use the indicators identified and
agreed upon during the M&E planning phase to measure success or failure of a nutrition
intervention. The indicators should be clearly understood and accepted by everyone involved in
the implementation of the nutrition intervention.

When shortcomings are identified or the targets are not being met or suggestions/
recommendations are needed, these should immediately be brought to the attention of the
local chief executive (LCE) through the nutrition action officer (NAO). The positive results or
good performance should be acknowledged.

When reporting and using results of monitoring, follow the existing feedback mechanism used
in the local government unit (LGU). The results can be oral or written. For written report, use
simple and existing forms and formats. The report should be short, simple, and easy to read.
For oral report, make an appointment and keep the report short so as not to get too much time
of the chair of the LNC and should focus on what action is requested from the LCE.
In order to sustain an M&E system, make sure that the M&E plan is built-in during the planning
stage. Thus, an LNAP that does not have an M&E component is incomplete. Take note that

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 6

many nutrition programs are being implemented by LGUs but only a few of these are being
monitored and evaluated.
Factors noted to have contributed to the failure of nutrition programs based on M&E results
are inappropriate design, absence or wrong targeting, poor training and supervision, unskilled
management, and inadequate financing.
Part of the roles and responsibilities of a NAO is to conduct M&E activities in coordination with
the members of the LNC. It would help if constant communication with the members of the
LNC and LCE is maintained in order to see that there is proper implementation of the program
or project.

Describing the Common M&E Strategies

The LNC can form a sub-committee/sub-group that will be tasked to do the M&E activities. The
common M&E strategies used are as follows:

1. Submission of monitoring reports. This should be done regularly, at least

quarterly. The monitoring reports will aid the LNC to keep abreast on the status of
accomplishment of the targets and identify actions lines necessary to stay on track of
the quarterly targets.

2. Field Visits should be done regularly, at least quarterly. Whenever possible, field
visitation should be done by the M&E team. In this manner, camaraderie among
members is established and opens lines of communication with the beneficiaries. Field
visits can also be done as a ride-on activity of some agencies. This activity is an
opportunity to know how programs are being implemented and the extent to which
these conform to plans. If needed and to the extent possible, deviations and difficulties
in implementation should be corrected on-site.

3. Regular meetings with the M&E team and LNC should be held as scheduled, with
special meetings as may be needed. Holding meetings help keep everyone informed of
developments, to discuss and settle implementation issues such as overlapping of
activities, running out of resources midstream, and slow-moving resources, among
others. Through the meetings, problems are addressed immediately and other recurring
problems are avoided.

4. Plan Implementation Reviews (PIR) assess the efficiency of plan implementation as

indicated by the outreach of activities undertaken relative to the plan. During the

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 7

 review, implementation is assessed, facilitating and deterring factors identified; and
recommendations for plan modifications are decided upon.

5. Special Studies can be done to evaluate nutrition programs. The M&E team may tap
NGOs, professional organizations, academic institutions or research institution which
are members of the team since they have expertise to undertake special studies to
determine specific results that need to be measured.

M&E can use one or a combination of strategies that may be applicable in their areas.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF LOCAL LEVEL

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PROTOCOL (MELLPI Pro)
MELLPI Pro is the updated monitoring and evaluation framework and system for assessment of
performance of LGUs and local nutrition workers. LGUs are assessed based on the six
dimensions under MELLPI Pro:
1. Vision and Mission 5. Nutrition interventions/ services
2. Nutrition Laws and Policies 6. Changes in nutritional status in the
3. Governance and Organization local government.
Structure
4. Local Nutrition Committee
Management Functions

Performance of local nutrition workers are assessed based on eight management functions:
1. Coordination 5. Monitoring and evaluation
2. Advocacy 6. Resource generation
3. Planning 7. Documentation and record keeping
4. Implementation 8. Capacity building.

MELLPI Pro can be described in four P’s:

1. Protocol. MELLPI Pro is a protocol, using a standard set of procedures and tools for
monitoring of performance.
2. Promotive. It promotes awareness and observance of existing law, rules, and
guidelines on nutrition.

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 3. Progressive. Scores are determined based on the progress of nutrition program
implementation.
4. More Professional. It promotes a more objective review of evidence based on the
parameters set in each rating.

NUTRITION AWARDS
Annually, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) recognizes individuals and LGUs who excelled in
their performance in the field of nutrition program management. The NNC conducts the annual
Regional and National Nutrition Awarding Ceremonies. Several awards are available for LGUs
and local nutrition workers.

a. Green Banner Seal of Compliance

Like the Green Banner Award, the Green Banner Seal of Compliance will be conferred to
cities, municipalities, and provinces with outstanding performance in nutrition for the
year of evaluation. But unlike its predecessor, it shall be conferred to all cities,
municipalities, and provinces that satisfy the following conditions:

1. Average performance rating is not lower than three or 60 percent in any of the first
five dimensions and not lower than two or sixty 60 percent in the 6th dimension of
the MELLPI Pro; and
2. Overall performance rating of at least 85 percent.

The Green Banner Seal of Compliance aims to encourage LGUs to improve nutrition
program management through compliance to standards or guidelines set for integration
of nutrition in local development and financial plans, nutrition and related policies,
governance, local nutrition committee functionality and service delivery and through set
targets for nutrition outcomes.

Recipients of the seal shall receive a plaque. The Green Banner Seal of Compliance will
maintain the design of the Green Banner Award but will be digitally printed in an acrylic
plaque emulating a waving banner or flag. The waving banner represents the ability and

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 9

 commitment of LNCs and LGUs to respond and continually adapt to the changes
brought about by the evolving nutrition concerns, guidelines, standards, and landscape.

Conferment of the seal for three consecutive years shall merit the LGU to be included in
the list of contenders for the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition
(CROWN) Award.

b. Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award

The CROWN Award is conferred to municipalities,

cities, and/or provinces with the highest overall
performance rating in the region and who have
been a recipient of the Green Banner Seal of
Compliance for three consecutive years. These
LGUs that are adjudged by the interagency
regional nutrition evaluation team as outstanding
in the region are conferred the CROWN Award,
and receive the CROWN trophy, and a cash prize
of PhP500,000.00.

The flames in the CROWN trophy embody the

LNC’s burning desire for excellence and success in
improving nutrition in their areas. The three
layers of fire manifest the years of hard work and
the triumph of LGUs as the regional outstanding
winner in nutrition, prior to receiving the CROWN
Award. The gradual change in color and height
symbolizes the LGU’s endless and intensified
efforts in nutrition program management.

c. CROWN Maintenance Award

The CROWN Maintenance Award is given to municipalities, cities, and/or provinces that
maintained outstanding performance in nutrition program management after receipt of
the CROWN Award. The maintenance award is conferred on the first and second year of
maintenance of outstanding performance in nutrition program management, hence the
1st Year CROWN Maintenance Award and 2nd Year CROWN Maintenance Award.

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 The maintenance award represents the unwavering commitment of the LGU to
continuously improve its performance in nutrition program management and more
importantly, to further improvement of nutrition outcomes.

The 1st Year CROWN Maintenance awardee receives a certificate and a cash award of
PhP100,000.00 while the 2nd Year CROWN Maintenance awardee receives a certificate
and a cash award of PhP200,000.00.

The first- and second-year maintenance awards precede the Nutrition Honor Award
(NHA), the highest award for nutrition.

d. Nutrition Honor Award (NHA)

Following three years of consistent outstanding

performances in nutrition program management as
CROWN and CROWN Maintenance Awardees, LGUs
are conferred the NHA, the highest and the most
prestigious recognition award of the NNC. The
awardees are initially adjudged by an interagency
regional nutrition evaluation team for the first three
consecutive years as Green Banner Awardees, and
afterwards are conferred as CROWN and CROWN
Maintenance Awardees for another three years as
validated by an interagency national nutrition
evaluation team. The Nutrition Honor Awardee
receives an NHA trophy and a cash prize of
PhP1,000,000.

The NHA trophy is likewise inspired by the flames in

the CROWN trophy signifying the intensified efforts,
unending commitment, and burning desire of LGUs to
succeed in improving nutrition in their areas.

However, what makes the NHA stand out is the glass case, symbolizing the strong
foundation built by the LGU for six years of hard work and success in nutrition program
management. Likewise, the beveled cuts of the trophy embody the pruning and
refinement they have undergone to achieve the height of excellence.

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 11

 All these awards are conferred during the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony, except
for the Green Banner Seal of Compliance which is conferred during the Regional Nutrition
Awarding Ceremony.

e. National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (NOBNS)

Tapping into one of the most potent resources available
in combating malnutrition across the country, the
government initiated the Barangay Nutrition Scholar
Program as a human resource strategy to strengthen
the barangay nutrition program.
Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), by virtue of
Presidential Decree No. 1569, are trained and
supervised community volunteer workers on nutrition
that are deployed in every barangay in the country.
They are responsible for monitoring the nutritional
status of children and assist in the delivery of nutrition
services in their respective barangays.
Now numbering more than 42,000, the BNS takes
nutrition action down to the grassroots level, identifying
and caring for those most vulnerable to malnutrition
and its causes. To honor and respect the efforts
accomplished by the BNSs, the NNC recognizes the BNS
with the most outstanding performance among the best
performing BNSs in each region as the NOBNS.

Emerging from the current most outstanding BNSs in the country, the NOBNS will receive a
trophy together with a cash prize of PhP150,000.

f. Nutrition Action Officer (NAO) of the Year

The Nutrition Action Officer (NAO) of the Year is one of the new awards for local nutrition
workers. The award recognizes Provincial and City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officers’
(P/C/MNAO) significant role in propelling LGUs, LNCs and BNSs to invest and become
proactive stewards of the local nutrition program.

The NAOs, as the LGU’s nutrition focal person, are NNC’s link to the local governments
fostering an iterative monitoring and feedback mechanism among local governments,
Regional Nutrition Committees and the National Nutrition Council.

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 The award is divided into two categories, the Provincial Nutrition Action Officer of the Year
Award and the Local Nutrition Action Officer of the Year Awards. The former recognizes the
PNAOs and the latter recognizes the C/MNAO. These awards recognize the extent of the
functions of PNAOs and C/MNAOs.
The recipient of the Nutrition Action Officer of the Year shall receive a plaque/medal and a
cash award of PhP60,000.00. A gold medal/plaque shall be awarded to national winners
while the regional winners shall receive a silver medal/ plaque.

The plaque/ medal features the main element/icon of the logo of the Nutrition Action
Officers Association of the Philippines (NAOPA), Inc. to highlight the NAOs’ professional
contribution to the local nutrition program.

g. Local Nutrition Program Coordinator (LNPC) of the Year

The LNPC of the Year is another new award for local nutrition workers. The award
recognizes the significant role of District/City/Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinators
(D/C/MNPC) in supervising and mentoring BNSs, as well as assisting and monitoring LNCs.
Considered as the supervisors of the BNS at the local level, the D/C/MNPCs are NNC’s link
in ensuring that capacities of BNSs are developed for them to do their functions.
The recipient of the LNPC of the Year shall receive a plaque/ medal and a cash award of
PhP30,000.00. A gold medal/plaque shall be awarded to national winners while the
regional winners shall receive a silver medal/ plaque.
The plaque/medal features the main element/icon of the logo of the District/ City Nutrition
Program Coordinators Association of the
Philippines (D/CNPCAP), Inc. to highlight their
professional contribution to BNSs as well as to the
local nutrition program.
These awards are proof of the hard work and
dedication of LGUs and nutrition workers that
made them shine amidst their fight against
malnutrition.

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 13

 LESSON 2
Conducting Monitoring and Evaluation

After completing Lesson 2, you are expected to assess how M&E is conducted for the different
nutrition interventions and nutrition action plan.

M&E Activities of the LNAP

The LNAP should be monitored and evaluated to determine if the formulated goals and
objectives were achieved. The LNC can implement the different strategies in M&E mentioned
earlier.

A necessary step in M&E is the recording and reporting of the accomplishments, which can
come from the M&E results.

While the LNAP is a three-year plan, M&E can be done and reported annually. The common
practice is to monitor quarterly (every three months) and to summarize the results of the four
quarters to come up with an annual M&E report. Similarly, at the end of three years, a
summary of the results of the M&E should be reported.

Matrix 6.1 can be used in documenting the achievement of the goals and general/ outcome
objectives per year, which are based on the LNAP.

Matrix 6.2 can be used in documenting the accomplishment or the results of the
monitoring activities of each identified intervention. The percent accomplishment can
be computed by dividing the number reached over the target per year and multiply the
quotient by 100.
The M&E should answer the question, “Did we accomplish our targets as planned?”.
a. If yes, what contributed to the achievement?
b. If no, what deterred the achievement of the targets?

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 14

Matrix 6.1. Example of the three-year evaluation of LNAP.
Expected Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Level
Result Target Actual Target Actual Target Actual
General/Outcome Reduced
Objective: prevalence of
To reduce the prevalence underweight
of underweight among 7% 8% 9% 9% 10% 11%
0-2 years old by 10% in
three years

Specific/Output Objective: Increased

To increase the proportion proportion of
of infants 0-6 months who exclusively
are exclusively breast-fed breastfed
for six months 22% 21% 18% 21% 15% 15%
infants for six
months

Matrix 6.2. Example of the three-year monitoring program/project of LNAP.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Program/ Expected Accomplishment Accomplishment Accomplishment
Project Result Target Target Target
No. % No. % No. %

IYCF Mothers
Counseling counseled 120 100 83 120 125 104 120 110 92
for Pregnant on IYCF/year

It is important to document and package the findings into a narrative report. The reports should
be used as reference for succeeding analysis. This should be shared with the members of the
LNC and other partners.

Some LNCs transform the accomplishment report into a “wall chart” so that citizens, LCEs,
government employees, and NGOs, among others, who visit the nutrition office can look at the
progress of the implementation of the LNAP or a specific nutrition program or project.
The M&E activities need to be regularly done and therefore, must be sustained. It is necessary
to present the results of M&E to LNC (Figure 6.3).

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 15

 Figure 6.3 A sample of wallchart posted in a nutrition office.

Identifying and Assessing the M&E Activities

The following are guide questions, which may help in the assessment of M&E activities:
1. Has your LNAP been monitored? If yes, which agency/agencies was/were involved in
monitoring the LNAP?
2. Has your LNAP been evaluated? If yes, which agency/agencies was/were involved in
evaluating the LNAP?
3. What indicator/s was/were used to measure if goals/objectives were achieved?
4. What data were collected, monitored, and analyzed?
5. Who collected these data?
6. What were the sources of data?
7. What instruments /methodologies were used in the data collection?
8. How often were the data collected?
9. Who have used or are using the data?
10. For what purposes were the data used or are being used?
11. What were the results of the M&E?
12. To whom were the results of M&E reported?
13. Do you think there has been regular M&E of your LNAP?
14. Do you think the LNC or LGU addressed the concerns identified as a result of the M&E?

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 16

M&E are two distinct but related processes with complementary activities. M&E is an
integral part of nutrition program management and should be included in the planning
stage.

A good M&E system is one with:

1. clearly defined and measurable indicators;
2. strategies conducted regularly and at periodic intervals;
3. prompt reporting;
4. corrective actions in place and implemented; and
5. budget for M&E activities provided.

M&E is a plan by itself. Thus, it must be planned, implemented, reported, assessed, and
sustained.

LGUs with outstanding performance based on the MELLPI system are recognized and given the
appropriate awards.

Exercise 6. 1. Identifying and Assessing the M&E

Activities
Answer the guide questions below to identify and assess the M&E activities conducted
in your LGU.
Guide Questions Answer/s
Has your LNAP been monitored? If yes,
which agency/agencies was/were involved
in monitoring the LNAP?
Has your LNAP been evaluated? If yes, which
agency/agencies was/were involved in the
evaluation of the LNAP?
What indicator/s was/were used to measure
if goals/objectives were achieved?
What data were collected, monitored and
analyzed?
Who collected these data?
What were the sources of data?
What instruments/methodologies were used
in the data collection?
How often were the data collected?
Who used or are using the data?
For what purposes were the data used or are
being used?

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 17

 Guide Questions Answer/s
What were the results of the M&E?
To whom were the results of M&E reported?
Do you think the LNC or LGU addressed the
concerns identified as a result of the M&E?

Module 6: Phase 3 of NPM: Monitoring and Evaluation 18