Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Efigenia G. Javier of Brgy. Maharlika East, Tagaytay City was awarded as the National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (NOBNS) during the 2014 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (NNAC) held on 22 October 2014 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. Together with DOH IV-A Regional Director Dr. Nestor F. Santiago, Jr., RNPC Carina Z. Santiago, Tagaytay City Mayor Agnes D. Tolentino, Brgy. Captain Joel B. Tibayan, and City Nutrition Action Officer Engr. Emilma U. Pello, BNS Javier received her plaque of appreciation and cash award worth Php 150,000.

BNS Javier stood out among the other 7 finalists because of her promising and excellent management of their barangay nutrition programs, advocacy to continually improve the nutrition situation in their community and also because of the strong support of her Barangay Nutrition Committee. During her speech, she shared that she was overwhelmed by the extent of a BNS’ duties at first but then accepted it as a challenge. Having to work round that clock, she has experienced a lot from being a BNS and eventually loved her job.

She encouraged every BNS to strive harder, never stop doing their best, and maintain excellence at work. She also emphasized that everyone is essential in the achievement of a well-nourished community. In the end, she thanked all the people behind her success and professed her commitment to never stop striving towards a malnutrition-free community.

The National Evaluation Team (NET) led by Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores went to visit BNS Javier last August 7 – 8, 2014 and assessed her efficiency in implementing nutrition programs and checked these programs’ effectiveness through validation weighing of pre-school children.