Highlighting the pivotal role that nutrition plays in the overall development of a community, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) once again shines a spotlight to the different nutrition committees and focal points in Central Luzon who have shown remarkable efforts in implementing the different strategies under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028.
The NNC recognized outstanding nutrition committees and focal points in Central Luzon during the 2024 Gitnang Luzon Gawad Parangal sa Nutrisyon, also known as the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC).
This event culminates the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) and Search for Outstanding Local Nutrition Focal Points (LNFP), and serves as the opportune time when the NNC recognizes how effective and efficient local government units (LGUs) and nutrition worker are in sustaining their exceptional performance in reducing the number of malnourished constituents and ensuring food security in their localities.
In her welcome message during the awarding ceremony, NNC Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Ana Maria Rosaldo congratulated the awardees for their hard work and dedication in managing nutrition programs in their respective areas of assignment.
She also emphasized how crucial the role of the LGU is and lobbied for more support to nutrition programs through initiatives like establishment of nutrition offices with staff complement so that the management of nutrition programs will be more focused or coordinated and comprehensive.
“I want to challenge the region to continue producing more of these LGUs and LNFPs that are the exception rather than the rule in nutrition program implementation especially during unusual times like the Covid-19 pandemic we experienced. We want more that can respond to the needs of the 10.4 percent or about 2.7 million Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger during the 2nd quarter of 2023; and those that can contribute to the reduction of 26.6 percent stunted children under 5 years old,” she cited.
The Vital Role of Nutrition in the Society
Good health and nutrition are the cornerstone of a developed and sustainable society, which enable people to perform at their best. Conversely, he said that the lack of which causes chronic health diseases, cognitive delays in children, and increased susceptibility to illness, creating a cycle of disadvantages that can be hard to escape.
In his keynote message, Department of the Interior and Local Government Local Government Operations Officer Reinier Collado, representing Regional Director Anthony Nuyda, highlighted the importance of investing in nutrition programs including the First 1000 Days and Operation Timbang Plus, which are essential to ensure that individuals will grow up healthy and well-nourished.
“Investing in programs like these is tantamount to investing in a future where individuals can thrive in the society and contribute to long term development,” he pressed.
Collado added that government officials play a crucial role in promoting and implementing nutrition programs as they hold the power to shape policies and directly impact public health. He said through their political will and effective leadership, they can advocate for evidence-based nutrition policies that address the unique needs of the populations.
“By fostering partnerships with the national government agencies, civil society organizations, private sectors, and volunteers, LGUs can ensure that the most vulnerable areas in their locality such as children, pregnant women, and low-income families, are prioritized in their nutrition initiatives. Their ability to bridge gaps between science, policies, and implementation is essential to create impactful and lasting change,” he stressed.
Honoring Outstanding Achievements
Over the years, Central Luzon has proved to be the home of nutrition exemplars. As proof of this, the region has produced six nutrition honor awardees, which is the highest award in nutrition in the country. Central Luzon also recorded 10 Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) awardees. These are the consistent green banner awardees through the years. In addition, since the MELLPI was revived in 1997, two finalists in the National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar came from Central Luzon.
For the 2024 Gawad Parangal sa Nutrisyon, NNC awarded eight LNFPs in various categories as the region’s best, while also recognizing 24 contenders.
These awardees and contenders were assessed based on how they deliver nutrition services in their respective localities. The seven management dimensions such as coordination, advocacy, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, resource generation, documentation and record keeping, and capacity building were assessed.
Meanwhile, Regional Green Seal of Compliance were given to the City of Baliwag, Bulacan (1st place); Municipality of Pandi, Bulacan (2nd place); and Municipality of Dinalupihan, Bataan (3rd place).
The NNC also recognized the Municipality of Guiguinto, Bulacan for its feat as Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Maintenance for the First Year Awardee. The Nutrition Honor Award was also conferred to the Municipalities of Sta. Maria, Pulilan, and Plaridel in Bulacan; Mabalacat City in Pampanga; and Municipality of Talavera, and Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija.
The NNC also recognized the Most Visible LGUs in Social Media who used Facebook to continue to promote and spread proper nutrition. These include the Municipalities of Dinalungan in Aurora; Guiguinto, Plaridel, Malolos City, and Baliwag City in Bulacan; San Jose City, and Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija; Mabalacat City and City of San Fernando in Pampanga; and the Provinces of Aurora and Zambales.
A Celebration of Commitment to Nutrition
On behalf of the dedicated local government employees and constituents of Guiguinto, Bulacan, Mayor Agatha Paula Cruz accepted the award with pride and enthusiasm as a CROWN First Year Maintenance Awardee.
“I am merely the Chairperson of the Municipal Nutrition Committee, and that all achievements stem from the hard work and commitment of the men and women who make up the committee, as well as their partners and stakeholders,” she said.
Cruz also acknowledged the importance of grassroots efforts in implementing nutrition plans, highlighting the vital roles of those who handle the details, like weighing and capacity building activities.
For her part, Regional Outstanding Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Rowena Tiongson of Bulacan said how honored and grateful she feels in accepting the award conferred to her and thanked everyone who helped and supported her for playing significant roles in the achievement of the award.
“The secret to this award and the successful implementation of nutrition programs lie in the good coordination and provision of technical assistance to all the local government units in the province. Looking after the entire province consisting of 20 towns, 4 cities, and 572 barangays is not an easy task, but with the support of the local chief executives from the governor, vice governor, and mayors, we are able to implement good plans for nutrition,” she said.
The RNAC is not just about honoring the hard work and best practices of the different LGUs and LNFPs who have shown remarkable dedication in improving the nutritional situation of their constituents. More importantly, the event serves to remind the public of the vital role that each has to play in promoting nutrition and well-being in the communities.
The struggles and wins of the awardees not only inspire the public but also pave the way for a healthier future where there is access to safe and adequate nutritious foods. Let us continue to support and recognize the efforts of these champions of nutrition, ensuring that their impact resonates far and wide.
Together, we can build a healthier society where each individual is productive and can realize their full potential, thereby contributing to a more resilient and developed nation. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA Region 3, Pampanga)