KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA)—The National Nutrition Committee (NNC) XII highlighted the contributions of nutrition champions in the region during the 2021 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held on Thursday here.

Retsebeth Laquihon, regional nutrition program coordinator of NNC XII, emphasized the importance of the support and commitment of various stakeholders in addressing nutrition concerns and sustaining nutrition strategies.

“The collaborative efforts of the local government units, the national line agencies, private sectors, and non-government organizations led to integral efforts in promoting food security, delivery of adequate health and nutrition services through utilization of local resources and empowering our community to be responsive in their nutrition situation,” Laquihon said.

She also underscored the contribution to nutrition development of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS).

This year, Genalyn Fernando, BNS of Barangay Malibatuan, Arakan, North Cotabato is the Outstanding BNS in the region.

Also, the NNC XII gave  the White Heron Award to local government units with valuable efforts in reducing malnutrition rates in their areas. Recipients of the award are South Cotabato Provincial Government, City Government of Kidapawan, and Local Government Unit of Sto. Niño for their efforts to address stunting while the Provincial Government of Sarangani, City Government of Kidapawan, and Local Government Unit of Kiamba were recognized for their contributions to address wasting.

Chosen LGUs were recognized in the RAISE Award or Regional Awardees for an Innovative Service deliveries on Eradicating malnutrition. These are the provincial governments of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato and the city governments of General Santos and Tacurong.

Meanwhile, the LGU’s of M’lang and Matalam, both in North Cotabato were recognized for establishing a breast milk storage facility.  In addition, outstanding Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) Pro Local Nutrition Focal Points and LGUs were highlighted.

Also awarded are LGUs with high coverage on the 2021 Operation Timbang Plus.

Laquihon expressed gratefulness for those individuals and organizations who partnered with the government to promote a healthy community and made nutrition their priority concern. (SJD/PIA 12)