On May 6-9, 2014, the inter-agency National Evaluation Team (NET) conducted its validation visit in Mandaluyong City being a contender for the First Year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award.

Mandaluyong City, dubbed as the Tiger City of the Philippines, got their CROWN Award last year for winning the Green Banner Award for three (3) consecutive years in recognition of their exemplary performance in nutrition program management in 2010, 2011 and 2012. During the 4-day NET validation visit, Mayor Benhur Abalos personally presented and explained the city's nutrition program and projects and how these contributed to the improvement of the nutritional status of children 0-71 months old.

The NET was able to visit the city's innovative projects such as Project TEACH (Therapy, Education and Assimilation of Children with Handicap) and livelihood programs. Four (4) barangays namely, Buayang Bato, Highway Hills, Barangka Itaas and Bagong Silang were visited to validate the barangay nutrition committees' nutrition programs and projects.

Mayor Abalos and City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO) and First Lady Mrs. Menchie Abalos led the members of the City Nutrition Committee, the BNC Chairs and Barangay NAOs, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, city and local officials in welcoming the NET and ensuring that the necessary documents are ready for the CROWN validation visit. RNPC Mila Federizo and NO III Meren Francia of the NNC-NCR together with RNET Chair Ms. Lorna Cruz of DILG-NCR and RNET Vice Chair Ms. Marlene Navarro of Grace Family Helper Project were present during the NET visit to support Mandaluyong City.

The city is aiming for the highest award, the Nutrition Honor Award. The challenge for the city is to get the CROWN Maintenance Award for 3 consecutive years. Mayor Benhur Abalos, in his presentation, reiterated the city's commitment to improve further their nutrition situation through the effective and efficient management of their nutrition program.