Photo 2022 RNAC NCRTop performing local government units (LGUs) and local nutrition focal points (LNFPs) namely, City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officers, Local Nutrition Program Coordinators, and Barangay Nutrition Scholars in Metro Manila received nutrition awards during the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC) held on October 28, 2022 at Century Park Hotel, Manila.

The RNAC is the culminating event of the MELLPI or the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation. From June 28 to August 19, 2022, the inter-agency Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) conducted the MELLPI Pro of the 17 LGUs in the region to monitor and evaluate the implementation and management of nutrition programs and performance of nutrition workforce in 2021. The LGUs and LNFPs that exhibited exemplary performance in nutrition were recognized during the ceremony.

A total of 76 nutrition stakeholders including members of the Regional Nutrition Committee, RNET, LGU awardees, and media partners attended the event. Other partners witnessed the ceremony via Facebook live (https://web.facebook.com/nnc.ncr/videos/652821073004761).

The cities of Parañaque and Muntinlupa received the Green Banner Seal of Compliance Award, the highest nutrition award in the region. Only LGUs who reached the minimum overall rating of at least 85%, with no rating of less than 60% in any of the dimensions of the MELLPI Pro are eligible to receive the award.

Special awards were also given to LGUs in recognition of their good practices in nutrition program management:

  • Best LGU in Nutrition Governance: Parañaque City
  • Best LGU in the Compliance and Dissemination of National Laws and Issuances on Nutrition: Muntinlupa City
  • Best LGU in the Performance of Nutrition Management Function: Parañaque City
  • Best LGU in the Implementation of Infant and Young Child Feeding Program: Pasig City
  • Best LGU in the Implementation of National Dietary Supplementation Program: Cities of Muntinlupa and Malabon
  • Best LGU in the Implementation of Overweight and Obesity Management and Prevention Program: Taguig City
  • Best LGU in the Implementation of Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM) Program: Parañaque City
  • Best LGU in the Implementation of Nutrition in Emergencies Program: Muntinlupa City
  • Best LGU in the Implementation of Nutrition Promotion for Behavior Change Program: Parañaque City
  • Most Innovative in Nutrition Program Implementation: Pasig City
  • Best LGU in Nutrition Program Effectiveness: Mandaluyong City
  • Best LGU in Documentation of Nutrition Programs: Municipality of Pateros

Outstanding LNFPs were also recognized:

  • Regional Outstanding City Nutrition Action Officer
    • Grand Winner: Dr. Pecos R.I Camarines (Mandaluyong City)
    • Runner-Up: Ms. Julita S. Bernabe (Taguig City)

  • Regional Outstanding City Nutrition Program Coordinator
    • Grand Winner: Ms. Maria Ana C. Ordenes (Muntinlupa City)
    • Runner-Up: Ms. Maria Teresa G. Abando (Caloocan City)

  • Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar: Ms. Daisy C. Parido (Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City)

In her message, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of the National Nutrition Council – NCR (NNC-NCR) Milagros Elisa V. Federizo highlighted the importance of the 3N that the LGUs should have to address malnutrition: Nutrition Committee, Nutrition Office, and Nutrition Action Plan. She also encouraged the LGUs to scale up nutrition actions by increasing nutrition investments and enhancing the delivery of comprehensive and responsive nutrition programs anchored on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (https://www.nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/luzon/national-capital-region/7720-moving-ppan-forward-for-better-nutrition-outcomes).

Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino Biazon committed to support the nutrition program and continue what the previous administration has started to achieve zero malnutrition. Congressman Edwin Olivarez also pledged that he and incumbent Mayor Eric Olivarez of Parañaque City will focus on improving the nutrition services for the betterment of their constituents.

Guest of Honor, Senator Risa Hontiveros and Assistant Secretary and NNC Executive Director IV, Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang delivered the keynote and inspirational message, respectively.

Written by: HPO I Trina Abygale D. Dela Cruz, DMO II Theresa A. Rivas and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo