Highlighting the crucial role of nutrition in community development, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) recently recognized top-performing nutrition committees and focal points in Central Luzon at the 2024 Gitnang Luzon Gawad Parangal sa Nutrisyon, also known as the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC). This annual event honors local government units (LGUs) and nutrition advocates for their outstanding efforts in reducing malnutrition and promoting food security.
NNC Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Ana Maria Rosaldo commended the awardees for their dedication and urged for further support to strengthen local nutrition initiatives. She emphasized the need for more focused and coordinated management of nutrition programs to better meet the needs of communities, particularly in response to the 10.4% of Filipino families facing hunger as of the second quarter of 2023 and the 26.6% of children under five who are stunted.
In his keynote address, Department of the Interior and Local Government Operations Officer Reinier Collado underscored the significance of investing in early nutrition programs such as the First 1,000 Days and Operation Timbang Plus. Collado noted that LGU leaders are crucial in fostering partnerships to ensure nutrition programs effectively reach vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and low-income families.
Honoring Exceptional Achievements
Central Luzon has consistently led in nutrition efforts, producing six National Nutrition Honor Awardees and 10 Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) awardees over the years. This year, eight Local Nutrition Focal Points (LNFPs) were awarded as the region’s best, while 24 other contenders were recognized for their contributions.
Top honors also included the Regional Green Seal of Compliance, awarded to the City of Baliwag, Bulacan (1st place); Municipality of Pandi, Bulacan (2nd place); and Municipality of Dinalupihan, Bataan (3rd place). Meanwhile, the Municipality of Guiguinto, Bulacan, received the CROWN Maintenance Award for its consistent excellence in nutrition service delivery.
Community Impact and Inspiration
Accepting the CROWN First Year Maintenance Award, Guiguinto Mayor Agatha Paula Cruz expressed pride in her community’s achievements and recognized the hard work of the Municipal Nutrition Committee. Regional Outstanding Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Rowena Tiongson of Bulacan echoed these sentiments, attributing their success to effective coordination and support from local leaders.
The RNAC serves not only to honor exemplary efforts but also to inspire a collective commitment to improving nutrition. The event reinforces the importance of nutrition as a foundation for a resilient society where individuals can realize their full potential.
As communities across Central Luzon continue to champion health and nutrition, their efforts pave the way for a healthier and more productive society, ensuring that every citizen contributes to a stronger, more developed nation.
📷 (PIA 3 | Aldrin Joshua P. Mallari)
