PALO, Leyte – The National Evaluation Team (NET) on November 14-15, 2022 has evaluated the Regional Outstanding Provincial Nutrition Officer in Eastern Visayas, Ms. Cynthia Palileo of Samar via virtual platform..

During the NET validation, Dr. Catalino P. Dotollo, Jr., Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of National Nutrition Council Region 8 warmly opened and welcomed the NET, PNC and development partners.

In his message, he already congratulated PNAO Palileo in her journey as one of the contenders in the search for National Outstanding Local Nutrition Focal Point (NOLNFP). He also thanked the support of the PNC, development partners and likewise the former governor and now Samar Representative Hon. Reynolds Michael Tan and was reaffirmed by the current governor Hon. Sharee Ann Tan.

PNAO Palileo spanned her career of 30 years and counting. After graduating Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND) in Manila and passed the licensure examination, she started working full time in a private organization.

Upon returning to Samar, she joined the Provincial Health Office (PHO) as Health Education and Promotion Officer (HEPO). Armed with passion and dedication in working in public health coupled with her positive attitude to work, she was promoted as Provincial Hospital Administrator.

Her passion for public health work runs in her veins so she later joined as technical staff of PHO Samar, this time focused on her chosen career as nutritionist-dietitian. This time she was designated District Nutrition Program Coordinator (DNPC).

It was during her stint as DNPC that NNC 8 developed her skills as regional nutrition trainer. Later, she was promoted again, this time as Nutrition Officer IV and has been designated as full time Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO).

During her incumbency as PNAO she was instrumental in the establishment of a separate nutrition office, with couple of nutrition worker and support staff and a separate budget reflected in the Provincial Nutrition Action Plan (PNAP) and incorporated in the Provincial Development Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP). This was the basis why the PNAP is integrated in Annual Investment Program, the basis for the approval of their budget.

During her watch as PNAO, the stunting prevalence of the province had a downward trend.

From 24.41% in 2019 to 19.77%in 2021 and 16.67% in 2022. These are all based on Operation Timbang Plus (OPT+).

OPT+ is a community-based assessment conducted by the community nutrition warriors, the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) supervised and validated by the health and nutrition workers.

Cynthia retired in the government service late September of this year. Her mandatory retirement did not stop her passion for public health work. The following day, she was rehired as nutrition consultant of the province. The provincial government is preparing her for a co-terminus position syill assign in the Provincial Nutrition Office.

The creation of nutrition office and permanent nutrition plantilla position paved the other LGUs in Samar to do the same as in the case of the municipalities of Tarangnan, Paranas, Calbiga, Basey and others, likewise in the cities of Calbayog and Catbalogan.

By performance and leadership, PNAO Cynthia is indeed ripe to join as one of the contenders for the said national outstanding search. #RNPC-CPD