7 June 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – The National Evaluation Team conducted a two-day virtual validation visit to Misamis Occidental as contender to the 2nd Year Maintenance for the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award.
Ms. Cynthia Vengco of NNC-Nutrition Surveillance Division, as NET team leader, was accompanied by Dr. Marie T. Bugas of DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Ms. Ana Castañeda of UP Los Baños-BIDANI, and Ms. Ethel May Oñas of Centro Escolar University. NNC X through Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez, Nutrition Officer Sheena Marie G. Talle, and CHED 10 representative and Regional NET Chair Dr. Arlita Amapola B. Minguez provided support to Misamis Occidental.
During the Opening Program, Governor and Provincial Nutrition Committee Chair Atty. Philip T. Tan and Vice Governor Aurora Virginia Almonte gave their messages of inspiration. Gov. Tan emphasized the need to work together, be creative and find ways to pursue the objectives of the PNC. On the other hand, Vice Governor Almonte shares her confidence on the outputs of the PNC, and expressed her support especially on crafting policies supportive to the nutrition program.
Ms. Vengco presented the overview of the visit while her colleagues shared their optimistic messages for the validation.
The bulk of the visit comprised of virtual desk review of the documents uploaded online, while Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Marichu G. Tijing was on standby for queries by the NET. On the second day, key findings and recommendations were shared by the NET, and duly noted by the PNC. The team also had a fruitful discussion with the PNC members about the nutrition activities conducted by each office for 2019-2020.
The NET members appreciated the interagency involvement of each PNC member in an effort to bring improved nutrition outcomes in the Province. PNAO Tijing is hopeful that their best efforts will enable them to take home the 2nd Year CROWN Maitenance Award. (NO III Sheena Marie G. Talle)
