Manila -This year’s NNAC was held at The Manila Hotel last February 12. Executive Director Assistant Secretary Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) which spearheaded the NNAC, called on everybody to support the PPAN for Filipinos to have “Nutrisyong sapat para sa lahat.”
” I would also like to extend my sincerest appreciation to the provincial, city, municipality regional and national inter – agency Nutrition Evaluation Teams for their hard work band valuable efforts to identify LGUs and local nutrition focal points who have excelled in their duties as nutrition workers and managers” Assistant Secretary Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang shared.
Nine Local Government Units ( LGUs) including Urdaneta City, Pangasinan in Region 1; Diffun, Quirino in Region 2; Guiguinto, Bulacan in Region 3; Tayabas City, Quezon in Region 4; Muntinlupa City in National Capital Region; Baybay City, Leyte in Region 8; Sumilao, Bukidnon in Region 10; Davao del Norte province in Region 11; and Tandag City, Surigao del Sur in Caraga received the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition or CROWN Award. Those awarded received a cash prize of P500, 000 and the CROWN Trophy
Navigating the golden journey towards the CROWN for a well – nourished citizentry dubbed as the “Garden Capital of the Philippines” received by Mayor Agatha ” Atty Agay” Paula A Cruz of Guiguinto Bulacan in Region 3.
The prevalence rate of stunting and severe stunting of 0 to 59 month – old children significantly decreased from 3.38% in 2019 to 0.40% in 2022, Similar the prevalence rate of overweight and obesity in the same age group decreased from 2.32% in 2019 to 0.60% in 2022.
The significant improvement in the nutrition situation of the Guguintenos is deeply rooted in the steadfast commitment and support from local leaders.
The award is given to LGUs with improved management of their local nutrition program for three consecutive years. The National Nutrition Council and all stakeholders to align their initiatives with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028 to truly gain health outcomes and ensure adequate nutrition for every Filipino,” was the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his message during the 2023 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (NNAC). He hopes that this year’s awardees will be more inspired to further perform their duties with excellence, integrity, and transparency for a Bagong Pilipinas.
Cagayan de Oro City is the lone winner this year of the Nutrition Honor Award having shown 6 years of exemplary performance in nutrition with marked reductions in malnutrition rates.
Video message of CDO Mayor Rolando A Uy
The national outstanding local nutrition focal points are the following for nutrition program coordinators with corresponding medals and cash prize: City Nutrition Program Coordinator( Sherill Faith P. Espanola) with Php 60,000;District Nutrition Program Coordinator (Mayflor P. Espiritu) with PhP 50,000; City Nutrition Action Officer ( Dr. Reyveen John B. Geli) of Php 40,000; Provincial Nutrition Action Officer ( Dr Anna Maria Teresa S. De Guzman) of Php 70,000.
Barangay Nutrition Scholars received Trophy and cash prize of Php 150,000 is Alicia C Tanabe of Brgy Alabang, Muntinlupa City. They recognized for coordinating and implementing nutrition programs.
Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa who is also the Chair of the National Nutrition Council Governing Board, emphasized that “concerted actions lays the groundwork for a healthier and more prosperous future the generations yet to come.”
“As the chairman of the NNC Governing Board and the Secretary of Health, I enjoin everyone to continue doing their part in our shred goal of ending all forms of malnutrition, Let us continue to strive to equal access to health and nutrition services in pursuit of Universal Health Care” Sec Herbosa added.
DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. called on LGUs to prioritize nutrition as poor nutrition especially in the first 1000 days of life is causing Filipino children to be poor learners. Also share the importance of breast feeding that as a former Local Chief Executive of Mandaluyong strictly implemented breast feeding to all mother constituent and ban formulated milk for a birth of a child. Also the zumba session every 4pm of office hour in 20 minutes to maintain healthy of Mandaluyong LGU employees.
Senators Bong Go assure every Filipino to have a Philhealth and utilize malasakit health center in case of hospitalization and the roll out of Super health center and as chair of Committee of health in Upper house.
Senator Francis Tolentino who delivered their messages of support for nutrition.
Meanwhile on the message of support of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez stated that ” The National Nutrion Council has spearheaded the Annual National Nutrition Awards to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of those who have demonstrated excellence in implementing nutrition programs. The focus on the first 1,000 days population group is paramount, reflecting the vital importance of early nutrition in shaping the health and future of our citizens”.
Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Z Duterte message ” I challenge each and everyone of you to continue building the capacity of your LGUs, to foster effective interventions, and to form strong partnerships across different sectors. Together, we can make sure that healthier nutrional practices become a reality for all our fellow Filipinos. “
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s message” says that Malnutrition does not only affect the physical but also the mental and social well- being of our youth. It affects their ability to focus on their studies, socialize with their peers, and develop healthy habits. It stunts all aspects of their growth, and holds them back from growing into bright healthy, and empowered individuals that can make great contributions to our nation.
///Mary Jane Olvina-Balaguer, 09053611058, maryjaneolvina@gmail.com and konekted@dzmjonline.net DZMJ ONLINE MAKABULUHANG JORNALISMO YOUR HAPPINESS CHANNEL