September 4, 2019-- The National Nutrition Council (NNC) lauded Local Government Units (LGUs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) during the Gawad Parangal ng Nutrisyon 2019 held at Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center, Alaminos City, Pangasinan for their exemplary performance in nutrition program implementation resulting to improved nutrition situation of infants, children, pregnant and lactating women and other vulnerable groups in their respective areas.

These nutrition champions were identified during the conduct of the 2019 Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI)-Pro which is an effective tool in assessing their compliance to quality nutrition standards and in the efficient implementation of their respective local nutrition action plans. 

DOH-CHD 1 Regional Director Valeriano Jesus V. Lopez graced the event as the keynote speaker and applauded all the awardees for reaching this far. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and its essence to the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs), Nutrition Workers, and fellow Nutrition Advocates to continue providing quality nutrition service in the ground.

On the other hand, Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste warmly welcomed all the guests and awardees to the Home of the Hundred Islands- Alaminos City. He stressed in his message the importance of investing in nutrition programs especially in the local government to ensure the welfare not only of the children but the whole community.

Vigan City and Santa, Ilocos Sur, which have previously been recognized during the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony on 30th August 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), also received their recognitions from NNC1 and Regional Nutrition Committee being the region’s pride as Consistent Regional Outstanding Winners on Nutrition (CROWN)- First Year Maintenance Awardees.

Likewise, the Province of Pangasinan received the NNC’s Quality Nutrition Program Initiatives Award for its Very Satisfactory performance in compliance to quality nutrition standards while the Province of Ilocos Norte; Municipality of Burgos, Pangasinan; City of Alaminos, Pangasinan; City of Candon, Ilocos Sur; and Municipality of Burgos, Ilocos Norte for the Satisfactory performance.

BNS Annalyn I. Bernardo of Brgy. Patac, Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur was awarded as the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar 2018 while BNS Anaryll A. Adriatico of Brgy. Ayusan Norte, Vigan City and BNS Rosario Reate of Brgy. Polo, Alaminos City were conferred as first and second runner-up, respectively.

Other finalists for outstanding BNS were Ms. Mylene B. Magaoay of Brgy. Poblacion, Burgos Ilocos Norte, Ms. Erlinda V. Galus of Brgy. Patpata 1st, Candon City, Ms. Imelda S. Cabrido of Brgy. Ilio-ilio, Burgos Pangasinan, Ms. Imelda Manzon of Brgy. Caranglaan, Dagupan City, Ms. Marife F. Santos of Brgy. Mamarlao, San Carlos City, Ms. Romavir A. Brioso of Brgy. San Vicente, San Fernando City, Ms. Fatima Claudia C. Batucal of Brgy. Darayday, Laoag City, Ms. Lena Pacita C. Alibuyog of Brgy. Tabug, Batac City, and Ms. Magdalena T. Cabusi of Brgy. Ambalite, Pugo, La Union.

Also, winners of the  Nutrition Jingle Video Contest Season 2 were recognized with San Juan National High School of Ilocos Sur Division, Malacañang National High School of San Carlos Division, and Alaminos City National High School of Alaminos Division Office bringing home the pride as Champion, 1st Runner up, and 2nd Runner up, respectively.

Regional Agencies that participated in the Poster-Slogan Making Contest during the Nutrition Month Launching also received their recognitions with Department of Education-ROI as the champion, Department of Public Works and Highways-ROI as 1st runner-up, and Philippine Information Agency-ROI as 2nd runner-up. Department of Agriculture-ROI and Department of Social Welfare and Development-ROI were the finalists in the competition.

Mayor Juan Carlo S. Medina of Vigan City represented by City Nutrition Action Officer Jeno Josef Figuracion, Mayor Jesus B. Bueno of Santa, Ilocos Sur represented by Mr. Danilo Bueno, Executive Secretary of the Mayor, and BNS Annalyn I. Bernardo of Brgy. Patac, Galimuyod, locos Sur, ROBNS delivered their responses and shared their long journey towards excellence in nutrition implementation.

The 2019 Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team member also received their plaque of appreciation for their efforts in actively joining the 2019 MELLPI Pro in the region.

This year’s Gawad Parangal ng Nutrisyon attended by more than 300 awardees, guests, and delegates was a huge success with the full support of the City Government of Alaminos led by Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste.