Mandaluyong City is now two steps closer in getting the Nutrition Honor Award (NHA), the highest recognition given by the National Nutrition Council to local government units that have shown efficient and effective planning and management of their local nutrition program which is anchored in the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition or the PPAN. The PPAN is the government’s framework in addressing the malnutrition problem of the country.

Being the Green Banner Awardee for three (3) consecutive years since 2010 and awarded the 1st Year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Maintenance Award in 2014, the city now vies for its 2nd Year CROWN Maintenance Award.

On March 10, 2015, twelve members of Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) conducted a readiness check in preparation for the National Evaluation Team (NET) validation on April 14-17, 2015. Mayor Benhur Abalos, together with CNAO Mrs. Carmelita Abalos, city councilors, members of the city nutrition committee, barangay captains, barangay nutrition action officers and barangay nutrition scholars warmly welcomed the RNET members.

RNET evaluated the Mandaluyong City’s Nutrition Committee by assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the CNC in planning and managing their local nutrition program. Five (5) barangays namely, San Jose, Mabini J. Rizal, Addition Hills, Pleasant Hills, and Malamig as showcase barangay, were visited to validate the barangay nutrition committee’s nutrition programs and projects and conduct validation weighing of preschool children.

CNAO Abalos said that it is quite a challenge for the whole committee to maintain the CROWN Maintenance Award for 3 consecutive years but she is optimistic that by working together, and with the full support of the city government, Mandaluyong City will be able to bag its 2nd Year CROWN Award this year. (TAR/MEVF/NNCNCR)