26 November 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – Misamis Occidental’s Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) Marichu G. Tijing is one of the three contenders in the country vying for the national award for PNAO of the Year. PNAO Tijing was evaluated by the National Evaluation Team (NET) last 22-23 November 2021.

Ms. Ma. Cynthia B. Vengco of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) served as the team leader of the NET, with members Dr. Marivic S. Samson (NNC) and Ms. Iris Rowena Bernardo of Council of Deans and Heads of Nutrition and Dietetics (CODHEND) and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Assisting from the NNC Regional Office were Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez and Nutrition Officer Sheena Marie G. Talle.

The NET facilitated the two-day assessment and undertook the following activities: courtesy call/opening program with PNAO Tijing and the Provincial Nutrition Committee, interview, desk review of documents, brief meeting with Governor Philip T. Tan, and discussion for learning and action.

The NET will undergo deliberation of results and ranking, until then, the verdict will be announced.

PNAO Tijing is the last contender from Northern Mindanao to be evaluated by the NET for national focal point awards. Despite her personal predicaments, PNAO Tijing pushed for the national evaluation.

She was also recognized during the 2021 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony last 18 November 2021 as the PNAO of the Year Region X, and with Special Citations as contender to the national PNAO award.

Whatever the results, PNAO Tijing’s accomplishments are celebrated by many, including the PNC, NNC X, and other local government units she and her team assisted. Congratulations and we are proud of you, PNAO Tijing! (NO III Sheena Marie G. Talle)