Behind the tall buildings and busy cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), several unsung heroes work diligently to ensure the community's well-being. They are the foundation of the feeding programs. They collaborate closely with residents, promoting healthier lifestyles, holding lectures, and keeping track of the nutritional status of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly in the NCR. These unsung heroes are crucial in mitigating malnutrition and improving overall well-being.
In the bustling heart of the Philippines, the National Nutrition Council-National Capital Region (NNC-NCR) has always been at the forefront of promoting health and nutrition. Through the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC), NNC-NCR recognizes the efforts of these unsung heroes, which are City/Municipal Nutrition Committee Outstanding Local Nutrition Focal Points, namely, City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officers (C/MNAOs), Local Nutrition Program Coordinators (LNPCs), and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) that have demonstrated excellent performance in implementing nutrition programs and services.
The awards presented are based on the performance of the 17 LGUs during the annual Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) PRO in NCR, which was conducted by the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET).
The Regional Nutrition Committee and Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team. (Photo Courtesy of NNC-NCR)
During the keynote message of Assistant Secretary Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang of NNC, she emphasized the consequences of stunting, one of the prevalent types of malnutrition in the Philippines, that affect the productivity of an individual and the country's progress.
She also calls for the cooperation of the RNC, partners from civil society, academe, private sectors, and all the local chief executives so that their every action can influence the present and future health and nutrition situation in all their locality.
NNC Asec. Dayanghirang delivers her keynote message. (Photo courtesy of NNC-NCR)
Dr. Dayanghirang added, “I also challenge all the stakeholders to strengthen your local nutrition committees and nutrition offices to take the full devolution nutrition services brought about by the Mandanas Garcia Ruling as an opportunity to increase investments in nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and enabling mechanisms.”
Let us thank all the unsung nutrition heroes throughout NCR as we congratulate the awardees during the RNAC. Their selfless dedication to promoting public health exemplifies the effectiveness of community-driven efforts in building a healthier, happier, and successful NCR.
Take a minute to recognize their effort and commitment the next time you see a Barangay Nutrition Scholar visiting homes to educate families about healthy eating habits or a City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officer organizing a nutrition program in your area. They are the unsung heroes creating a better future for us all.
The Main Awardees
