Butuan City – The Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony honored three local nutrition focal points retirees for their exemplary performance and support to the implementation of different nutrition programs and activities in their respective localities, 29 November 2022 at LMX Convention Center, Butuan City.

Ms. Ermelinda Ascarez served as the Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) for the Province of Surigao del Sur for 43 years from January 1979 to March 2022.

On the other hand, Ms. Marillu Gallardo served the province of Surigao del Sur as the District Nutrition Program Coordinator (DNPC), serving the province for 33 years from November 1989 to May 2022.

Meanwhile, Ms. Leonida Adiong of the Municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte served as the Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) for 2 years from November 2019 until her retirement in January 2021.

The National Nutrition Council Caraga commended the years of public service of retired local nutrition focal points in the region with a Plaque of Recognition.

The retirees graced the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony with vigor and sense of fulfillment having served their people with hardwork, and compassion over the years. Truly embodies the words of ASec and Executive Director of National Nutrition Council, Azucena M. Dayanghirang, “retired but definitely not tired”. #MAFernandez.