14 May 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – In preparation for the national virtual validation, National Nutrition Council X through Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez and Nutrition Officers Sheena Marie G. Talle and Arlie Joy O. Damiles provided technical assistance to Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on 12 May 2021.

Manolo Fortich is vying for the most coveted award in nutrition for local government units—the Nutrition Honor Award. This, after the LGU sustained its gains with increasing scores for the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition for two consecutive years.

Nutrition Action Officer Christy Marie V. Alsado, ECCD-First 1000 Days focal Alyanna Faith Caballero and Nutritionist-Dietitian II Rikkie Mae Lucero were present during the technical assistance. Members of the Municipal Nutrition Committee were on-call so as to minimize the number of persons in the nutrition office.

The NNC X conducted technical assistance primarily through desk review of relevant documents. Observations and recommendations were given by NNC X to further prepare the LGU for the virtual validation visit happening on 27-28 May.

A day prior to NNC X’s visit, the Bukidnon Provincial Nutrition Evaluation Team also conducted the same activity.

The National Evaluation Team resumes its series of validation visits to LGUs contending for national awards, following more than a year of suspension due to the COVID-19 situation.

Alongside the municipality of Manolo Fortich, Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Occidental Province are also vying for national awards this year. (NO III Sheena Marie G. Talle)