The National Nutrition Council – NCR of the Department of Health recognized top performing local government units (LGUs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) in the National Capital Region for their outstanding performance in nutrition program management and delivery of nutrition services in 2017 during the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC) held on July 27, 2018 at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City.
The RNAC serves as the culminating event of the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) and the Search for the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (ROBNS). It was attended by around 240 participants from the LGUs composed of the Mayors, Nutrition Action Officers (NAOs), members of local nutrition committees (LNCs), BNSs, and other stakeholders.
According to NNC-NCR Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa Federizo, MELLPI is the monitoring and evaluation mechanism of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) which is the country’s blueprint in addressing hunger and malnutrition. “MELLPI is conducted yearly by an inter-agency Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) to monitor and assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning and management of local nutrition programs anchored on the PPAN implemented by the LGUs through their local nutrition committees. Activities include review of documents, interview with LNC members and validation visits and weighing of children in randomly chosen barangays. It is also an opportunity to advocate for support for the PPAN among Mayors and LNC members”, RNPC Federizo explained.
Guest of Honor Senator Cynthia Villar, in her keynote message delivered by Chief of Staff Atty. Armi Corpuz, recognized that food security, sustainable food production, good nutrition and the various aspects of food gardening, among others, are all linked to the ultimate goal of having a food secure and healthy citizenry. The collective efforts of the government agencies, private sector, NGOs and other stakeholders are the key to reach these goals. “I entrust that the local chief executives, nutrition action officers, nutritionist-dietitians, barangay nutrition scholars and other stakeholders will continue to work together to achieve our collective goals”, Senator Villar said in her message.
The 2017 Green Banner (GB) Award was conferred to Muntinlupa City Nutrition Committee chaired by Mayor Jaime Fresnedi for their outstanding performance in the implementation and management of local nutrition programs in 2017. The first and second runner-up awardees are the cities of Pasig and San Juan, respectively.
Special awards were given to LGUs for their good practices in nutrition program management: Mandaluyong City (Very Satisfactory in Nutrition Program Management, Best in LGU Investment in Nutrition, Best in Infant and Young Child Feeding Initiatives and Best in Barangay Nutrition Program Management), Malabon City (Very Satisfactory in Nutrition Program Management, LGU with Continuous Improvement in NPM and Best in Resource Generation and Mobilization), Quezon City (Best in Program Effectiveness), Pasig City (Most Efficient in Nutrition Program Management, Best in LGU Investment in Nutrition, Best in Nutrition in Emergencies and Best in Urban Vegetable Gardening), Taguig City (Best in Documentation and Best in Resource Generation and Mobilization), Municipality of Pateros (Best in LGU Investment in Nutrition) and Muntinlupa City (LGU with Continuous Improvement in Nutrition Program Management and Most Innovative LGU).
Taguig City Nutrition Committee led by Mayor Lani Cayetano was also recognized for their efforts that enabled their city to win the 2nd Year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition Award (CROWN) given by the National Nutrition Council.
Barangay Nutrition Committee of Acacia in Malabon City under the leadership of Brgy. Chairperson Roberto Alba was awarded as the Most Outstanding Barangay in Nutrition Program Management for 2017. Barangay Daang Bakal in Mandaluyong City received the 1st Runner up Award while the 2nd Runner-Up awardee is Barangay Onse in San Juan City.
Fifteen (15) City/Municipal Outstanding BNSs received plaque of recognition and cash award. The 2017 Regional Outstanding BNS is Elvira T. Quirona of Makati City.
LNC Chairs and NAOs were also recognized for their active participation and presence during the regional activities conducted in 2017: Mayor John Reynald Tiangco (Navotas City), Mayor Miguel Ponce III and MNAO Josefina Ponce (Municipality of Pateros), Mayor Laarni Cayetano and CNAO Julita Bernabe (Taguig City), Mayor Carmelita Abalos and CNAO Dr. Pecos Camarines (Mandaluyong City), Mayor Guia Gomez and CNAO Dr. Rosalie Sto. Domingo (San Juan City), Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and CNAO Dr. Magdalena Meana (Muntinlupa City), CNAO Chef Melissa Oreta (Malabon City), CNAO Dr. Georgiana S. Galutera (Pasig City), CNAO Dr. Benjamin Yson (City of Manila), CNAO Dr. Bernard T. Sese (Makati City), CNAO Janet A. Olivarez (Parañaque City), Dr. Ferdinand C. Eusebio (Las Piñas City), CNAO Dr. Cesar F. Encinares (Pasay City), Dr. Christy S. Sy (Marikina City) and CNAO Dr. Jaime M. Exconde Jr. (Valenzuela City).
The winners in the regional contests conducted by the NNC-NCR in line with the celebration of the 44th Nutrition Month with the theme “Ugaliing magtanim, Sapat na nutrisyon aanihin!” and Regional Webby Award were also awarded their trophy and cash prize. The regional launch of the Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition (RPAN) 2019-2022 was also conducted during the event.
In her response, 2017 ROBNS Elvira Quirona shared the lessons she learned working as a BNS for 3 decades. Working alone will not solve the problem of malnutrition. It is important to get partners and build alliances in working for the nutrition improvement of the barangay. The BNS should also continue reminding the parents to prioritize the health and nutrition of the family. “Ang pagkain ay buhay. Ito ang makapagbibigay lakas sa bawat nilalang. Ngunit kung ito ay hindi abot-kamay ay wala ding saysay. Dapat tayo ay magkapit-bisig upang bigyan ang mga pamilya na nangangailangan ng trabaho at mapagmumulan ng pagkain,” ROBNS Quirona said.
According to Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, the cornerstone of building a country with educated, healthy and God-fearing people is maintaining and sustaining the health and nutrition of the citizens who will bring forth this vision to realty. “If the entire population is not healthy, they cannot be productive. And if they are unproductive, they cannot contribute to the development of our society. Thus, the goal of nation building will not be achieved,” Mayor Fresnedi said in his response as GB Awardee.
Mayor Fresnedi added that the bigger challenge is the sustainability and the widening of scope and reach of nutrition programs to make a happy and healthy society. He called for the support of the other LGUs to accept the challenge and come up with unified strategies to improve the over-all nutrition of the population. “Let us keep on working together for a healthier Philippines. God help us all. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” Mayor Fresnedi said. (TAR/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)
