LGU Koronadal retains highest level of recognition on nutrition
The Local Government Unit (LGU) Koronadal has retained the region’s highest honor-the Nutrition Honor Award (NHA) maintenance for the second time, which is also considered the most prestigious commendation of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) for outstanding performance in nutrition program management.
The distinction was based on the fulfillment of the LGU’s mission in improving the country’s nutrition situation, wherein the NNC embarked on the strategy of Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI), which aims to gauge the effectiveness of local governments in the preparation and execution of nutrition programs from the national to the local level.
Before receiving the award, the city was thoroughly evaluated by an evaluation team comprised of representatives from various government agencies, led by Nutrition Officer III Annalita Mae V. Flores, RND, MCH, as team leader, Nutrition/Dietician Ma. Ella Angel Batnon of the Department of Health (DOH) XII and Katty Parreo, Regional Nutrition Council (RNC) XII Dietician Officer II. Their analysis was based on the accomplishments of the year 2022.
On the other hand, during the conduct of the nutrition evaluation, City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena assured the assessors that his administration pays high attention to the value of nutrition. He stated that for the city to have a sustainability of food availability, the nutrition component which has an equivalent of 16% is included in the criteria to be rated during the evaluation of barangay, purok, sitio empowerment program (BPSEP), a former BEP which is considered as his brainchild inventiveness. “Nutrition is very important and it is one of the core areas of BEP being assessed with an equivalent of 16%,” Mayor Ogena confirmed to the evaluators.
Ogena said further that nutrition is essential because the government programs and projects must be futile if the community is sickly, thus, he hopes that all nutrition-related programs must be downloaded to the barangays. “Hindi kailangang mahal ang pagkain upang maging masustansya,” Mayor Ogena give emphasis on being creative and practical in preparing food and don’t have to spend too much to eat healthy and nutritious food. He also highlighted the significance of planting a variety of vegetables in the yard or vacant lot to ensure that the vegetables eaten are fresh and free of hazardous chemicals.
The mayor also acknowledged the merit of City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO) designate Nancy A. Adalin who played a vital role in the city to reap the said award despite its short tenure at City Nutrition Office (CNO), hence, he hopes to continue what Adalin’ started if she vacates the position.
Furthermore, aside from the NHA maintenance citation, the NNC Region XII also awarded the city as first runner-up in the Outstanding Nutrition Program Coordinator category through Marilou S. Lanoy while Charry A. Julian of Barangay Magsaysay was declared as the 2022 city’s Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS).
Meanwhile, even though Nutrition Month is over, CNO’s nutrition program continues all year and actively promotes a healthy lifestyle.