QUEZON CITY— The National Nutrition Council (NNC) recognized seven local government units (LGU) with outstanding performance in nutrition programs, one (1) national outstanding barangay nutrition scholar, and four (4) exceptional Local Nutrition Focal Points (LNFP) on the 2022 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held on 20 March 2023.

Awarded LGUs that consistently maintained low malnutrition rates in the last five or six years through effective and efficient implementation of local nutrition programs are: 

• Municipality of Tublay, Benguet;
• Municipality of Talavera, Nueva Ecija;
• Vigan City, Ilocos Sur;
• Mabalacat City, Pampanga;
• Biñan City, Laguna; and
• The Province of Misamis Occidental was conferred with the prestigious Nutrition Honor Award and 
• Cagayan de Oro City received the 2nd year Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Maintenance Award.

Awarded outstanding LNFPs whose work contributed to improved nutrition in their areas of assignments are:

• Ms. Pinky P. Adesas-Casamayor from Bayugan City was awarded as the 2021 National Outstanding City Nutrition Program Coordinator.
• Ms. Luningning Rhodes from Quirino Province was awarded as the 2021 National Outstanding District Nutrition Program Coordinator.
• Mr. Jeno Josef M. Figuracion from Vigan City was awarded as the 2021 National Outstanding City Nutrition Action Officer.
• Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon from Iloilo Province was awarded as the 2021 National Outstanding Provincial Nutrition Action Officer.
• Ms. Mary Joy J. Gadian from Barangay San Agustin, Tagum City awarded as the 2021 National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar.

Civil Service Commission Chair Atty. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles gave the Keynote Address, together with NNC Governing Board Chair OIC Health Secretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire. NNC Executive Director Assistant Secretary Azucena M. Dayanghirang, led in conferring the awards.

LGUs were evaluated based on their nutrition policies, governance, local nutrition committee management functions, nutrition services, and outcomes while LNFPs were evaluated based on the performance of their nutrition management functions.

The National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony is an annual event that the NNC spearheads to recognize outstanding local government units (LGUs) and Local Nutrition Focal Points (LNFPs) with effective and efficient implementation of nutrition programs. (JLB/PIA-PMD)