This year, the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte thru the Provincial Social Welfare & Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Nutrition Office (PNO) and in partnership with the ZNFederation of Parents (ZNFePa) celebrated the National Children’s Month’s Nutrition Awarding Ceremony and Children’s Sports Festival or Art Activities on 26 November at Zamboanga del Norte Cultural & Sports Center, Dipolog City with the presence of ZDN Provincial Governor Hon. Roberto T. Uy, ZDN Provincial Director of DILG Mario A. Baterna, ZDN Provincial Director of PNP PCol. Michael B. Macapagal, OIC-Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC Region 9 Ms. Nimfa D. Ekong, RND, MDM, mayors, vice-mayors, and representatives of mayors of different municipalities and two cities of Zamboanga del Norte.

Hon. Roberto T. Uy gave a message pointing out that children are gift of God and that children should be raised in a family who unites for prayer. Rather than spending time in gadgets, parents should teach their children how to pray and to spend time with their children. On the other hand, he also reminded the children to respect and obey their parents at all times. He ended his speech by assuring that the government is making sure that everything is at its best in the implementation of activities and programs for the benefit of all children.

Awards that were given out in the said event include the Ideal Level of Functionality-LCPC that was given to the Province of Zamboanga del Norte with a rating of 104%. Likewise, 12 Municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte attained the Ideal Level of Functionality- PCPC with ratings of at least 80%. The awardees this year were the LGUs of Rizal, Polanco, Sibutay, Pinan, Dapitan City, Jose Dalman, Manukan, Sindangan, Roxas, Siocon, Leon Postigo, and the municipality who garnered the highest rating of 113%, Dipolog City.

MELLPI Awardees were also awarded. Amongst the 24 municipalities, the Municipality of Pinan was awarded as the Outstanding Municipal LGU in implementing quality nutrition programs, followed by the Municipality of Salug and the Municipality of Mutia who were awarded second and third place, respectively. Dr. Ricardo S. Awit of Pinan was awarded as the outstanding MNAO followed by Dr. Roda Tessa L. Estrella of Mutia and Dr. Juliana M. Uy from Polanco who were awarded second and third place, respectively. Moreover, Ms. Michelle S. Beberino of Polanco and Ms. Arlene C. Awit of Pinan were awarded for being an Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Coordinator. Outstanding BNS and Outstanding Brgy. Chairman were awarded to Ms. Rebecca C. Jarmin and Hon. Jean Patrick B. Danao respectively, who are both from Pinan.

Similarly, those who won as champions, second placers, and third placers in the elementary and secondary division in the Nutri-Quiz held last July 2019 were also given cash prizes and certificates. Realyn P. Cagas from Inuman Elementary School, Sindangan and Peter Chan P. Jumawan from San Jose, Sergio Osmena National High School, Sergio Osmena triumphed over the other participants of the elementary and secondary division as they won as champions in their respective divisions.

The morning program proceeded as Hon. Ruth M. Brillantes, ZDN SP Board Member and Chairman of Women, Children & Family Welfare Committee gave a heart-warming message as her speech focused on the privilege given to parents that comes with a big responsibility. She reminded the parents to reflect on their doings and that they should not only give material things but also maternal love. She ended her message by quoting “too much love never spoils children, but we spoil children when we substitute presence to presents.”

The morning program capped off with a message from Ms. Nimfa D. Ekong, RND, MDM as she commended the organizers of the joint activity and greatly emphasized the importance of the need for more nutrition champions who are willing to provide excellent service to the people. She also made sure that the NNC will continuously support different LGUs and BNS for the implementation of quality nutrition programs as well as congratulated the new nutrition champions who have been awarded that same morning.

The afternoon program was filled with joy and laughter. Children were able to participate in the sports contest and face painting activity. Mascots from Jollibee was also present for the children, young-at-hearts and parents to dance and enjoy. As the National Children’s Month 2019 comes to an end, awards were also given to those who won in the sports contest held that same afternoon.