LEGAZPI CITY – The National Nutrition Council Region V once again honored the Barangay Nutrition Scholars and Local Government Units’ achievements towards effective and efficient implementation of the 2010 Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN). This was held at Hotel St. Ellis on 19 December 2011. Hon. Deogracias B. Ramos, Jr, Congressman of the 2nd District of Sorsogon was the keynote and guest of honor. RNC Chair and regional Director of DOH CHD Bicol Dr. Nestor Santiago together with NPC Arlene Reario led the awarding ceremony.
Gubat, Sorsogon and Tiwi, Albay were the 2010 Municipal Nutrition Green Banner Awardees. Additional to Gubat’s award, they were also recognized as the 2010 Outstanding Municipality in the Region. Mayor Ronnel U. Lim of Gubat and Mayor Jaime C. Villanueva of Tiwi proudly led their team in receiving their respective award. Thirteen (13) barangays with an average rating of at least 90% were likewise recognized during the awarding ceremony. Included in this list are three barangays from Naga City namely, Brgy. Concepcion Grande, Sta Cruz and Carolina; Nato and Pinontingan of Gubat, Sorsogon; Brgys San Juan and Gabao in Irosin, Sorsogon; barangays Belen and Libjo in Tiwi, Albay; Barangay Bay, Oras, and Sagrada of Ligao, Tabaco and Iriga City, respectively.
Among the cities, Iriga City excelled as the top performing city of 2010. Indeed, with the support of Mayor Madelaine A. Gazmen, newly designated CNAO Rosa Jeannie Bolivar’s effort brought Iriga City in the limelight of Bicol’s Regional Evaluation history. Ligao City was adjudged 2nd best performing city followed by Legazpi City. These cities were given a plaque of recognition for their achievements.
Among the Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars, BNS Marilou P. Cañete of Naga City was 2010 Regional and National BNS, besting all BNS in the country. BNS Erma M. Dacuya of Tabaco City and BNS Emily N. Atienza of Ligao City were winners, the 2nd and 1st runners-up, respectively, receiving a modest cellphone each from friends of NNC. Cash awards and plaque of recognition to acknowledge their untiring efforts in nutrition program implementation were received by our outstanding BNS. Everyone was awed when the emcee announced that NOBNS Canete was awarded a netbook and a 4-year college scholarship plan by Congressman Palmones of Agham Party List in addition to the P100,000.00 given by NNC during the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held earlier on 25 October 2011 at PICC, Pasay City. In her speech, she challenged other BNS work diligently together to eradicate malnutrition in their barangays. She gave emphasis on how she was able to initiate projects focusing on malnourished children with the strong support of Barangay Concepcion Grande‘s Barangay Nutrition Committee chaired by Brgy. Capt. Elmer Baldemoro. She also bragged about the support of her husband, understanding her job and the dedication of her mentors from the City Nutrition Office of Naga City. Ms. Raquel B. Buere was also given a certificate of merit to acknowledge her participation as the maker of 2010 National BNS.
In his keynote speech, Congressman Ramos challenged everyone present to be strong advocates of Nutrition, ensuring that budgetary allocation is provided to nutrition program over other programs and projects.
