Baguio City-The Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) CAR through the National Nutrition Council CAR held the first Virtual Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony last October 20, 2020.
The Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC) was done yearly to recognize high performing LGUs for their exemplary performance in championing nutrition. To adopt with the new normal, the RNAC 2020 was conducted virtually which was joined by around 100 participants through zoom app and facebook live.
Awards for this year were based on the improvement of stunting prevalence in line with the focus of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition. Three awards were approved by the RNC CAR through a resolution during its meeting held on March 10, 2020 namely - LGUs with continuous decrease of stunting prevalence from 2017-2019; LGUs with stunting prevalence below 10%; and high performing schools divisions on supplementary feeding program.
Thirty-one LGUs with consistent decrease of stunting prevalence from 2017-2019 while 25 LGUs with stunting prevalence with below 10% were recognized. Overall, 56 LGU awardees and 2 schools divisions were recognized during the event.
LGUs with consistent decrease of stunting prevalence from 2017 to 2019 were the Municipalities of Bangued, Danglas, Langiden, Sallapadan, San Isidro and Tineg of Abra; Municipalities of Flora, Luna and Pudtol of Apayao; Municipalities of Atok, Bakun, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, La Trinidad, Tuba and Tublay of Benguet; Municipalities of Alfonso Lista, Asipulo, Hingyon, and Lamut of Ifugao; Municipalities of Balbalan, Tinglayan and Tabuk City of Kalinga; Municipalities of Natonin, Sabangan, and Tadian of Mt. Province; Baguio City; and Provinces of Apayao, Benguet and Kalinga. LGUs with stunting prevalence of below 10% in 2019 were the Municipalities of Lagangilang, Lagayan, Sallapadan and San Quintin of Abra; Municipality of Pudtol, Apayao; Municipalities of Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay of Benguet; Municipalities Alfonso Lista, Asipulo, Hingyon, Lamut, Mayoyao and Tinoc of Ifugao; Municipalities of Bontoc, Natonin, Tadian of Mt. Province; Baguio City and Provinces of Benguet and Ifugao.
Fifteen LGUs were double star awardees which means they are awardees in both categories ( continuous decrease in stunting prevalence and with prevalence below 10 percent)It is worthy to note that Municipalities of Alfonso Lista, Kabayan and Baguio City were among the LGU awardees to be awarded with consistent decrease in stunting prevalence for the 4th time since 2017. On the other hand, Municipalities of Alfonso Lista, Itogon, Mankayan, Sablan, Tublay and Baguio City were awarded with stunting prevalence below 10% for the 4th time since 2017.
A special recognition award was given to Schools Division of Mt. Province and Tabuk City for their excellent results in the implementing the School-Based Feeding program for three years.
The RNC also recognized retired Municipal Nutrition Action Officers Ms. Demetria Cawis of Buguias , Ms. Victoria Todyog of Itogon, Ms. Carol Wells Bantag of Sagada, Ms. Edna Calban of Sta. Marcela and Nutrition Dietitian Ms. Michelle Andaya of DepEd.
A short video was also played to recognize the winners of the first nutrisong contest conducted as part of the Nutrition Month and Cordillera Month Celebrations in July was also presented. Ifugao Province won the first prize, Baguio City won the 2nd prize, Mt Province won the 3rd prize and the provinces of Abra, Benguet and Kalinga won as consolation prizes.
These LGUs will receive a certificate of commendation and special token.
Honorable Governor Ma. Jocelyn V. Bernos of Abra, Governor Melchor D. Diclas of Benguet, Governor Jerry U. Dalipog of Ifugao gave their responses while Governor Eleanor Bulut-Begtang of Apayao represented by Dr. Amy Liza Maruquin, Governor Ferdinand B. Tubban of Kalinga represented by Executive Assistant Ms. Elizabeth Balais, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong represented by Councilor Joel Alangsab and DepED CAR Regional Director May B. Eclar represented by Dr. Angeline Calatan delivered their responses.
Mr. Cecilio Adorna, Senior Consultant of the Nutrition International, UNICEF and NNC, served as the keynote speaker to the event. Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Rita Papey gave the closing message. The activity was also joined by Regional Director Ruby Constantino of DOH CHD CAR who gave the welcome message.
The NNC hopes to have more LGU awardees in the coming years! /dj/
