Nutrition program topnotchers awarded

CEBU, Philippines — The Central Visayas Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) recently recognized the exemplary performers in nutrition in the region during the 2024 Grand Nutrition awarding ceremony held the other day at the Golden Peak Hotel in Cebu City.

The Municipality of Balilihan, Bohol, bested two other contenders for the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) for scoring the highest for its 2023 nutrition accomplishments.

The CROWN award is given to a municipality, city, or province adjudged outstanding in the region in the implementation of its nutrition action plan for three consecutive years. Balilihan also received the Green Banner Seal of Compliance Award in 2023 and 2022.

Ten local governments were also bestowed with Green Banner seal this year: Bohol Province, Negros Oriental Province, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Tagbilaran City, Tanjay City, Enrique Villanueva in Siquijor, Garcia Hernandez in Bohol, and San Juan in Siquijor.

The Regional Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Action Officer award was conferred to Mhay Licayan of Guindulman, Bohol, and the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar to BNS Rochelle Planas of Barangay Cambaol, Alicia, Bohol.

Antonieta Delfino of Negros Oriental and Jacquilene Casiple of Talibon, Bohol, were awarded Regional Outstanding District and Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinator, respectively.

The event also acknowledged the dedication made by the retiring nutrition workers for their contributions in the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028 in the region.

Meanwhile, the Central Visayas Association of Nutrition Action Officers (CeVANAO) Inc. recently conducted its 19th Congress of Nutrition Action Officers in Cebu City.

The event organized in collaboration with the RNC and NNC-7 had the theme “Let's go NAO para sa Nutrisyong Sapat para sa Lahat".

The event aims to equip Nutrition Action Officers with strategies to eradicate malnutrition and contribute to the achievement of PPAN objectives.

The PPAN 2023-2028 aims to reduce all forms of malnutrition across all life stages and includes interventions that focus on healthier diets, better practices, and improved access to quality services. — (FREEMAN)