“I would like to share this iconic success with all the men and women who worked hard day and night to bring fulfillment to our Nutrition Programs in the Province, especially to our barangay health workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and Coordinators, who are at the frontline of the program implementation in the grassroots communities,” said Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib in a statement Friday.
Davao del Norte PLGU was the recipient of the “Pag-Asa Award for Provincial Level” for the year 2022, which was conferred during the ceremony held on Jan. 6 at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City.
The prestigious Pag-Asa Award was a distinction given by the National Nutritional Council Davao Region to the provincial government in recognition of its outstanding planning, management, and implementation of local nutrition programs.
Davao del Norte recorded the lowest prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight, overweight, and obesity based on the 2022 Operation Timbang Plus (OTP) results in the Davao region.
Inclusive nutrition programs
Jubahib said the recognition they received demonstrates his administration's dedication to tackling malnutrition and promoting the well-being and vitality of children in the various communities of Davao del Norte.
“Health and social services undoubtedly occupy a very important space in my administration,” he said, underscoring that it is the commitment of his administration to protect the welfare of his constituents in Davao del Norte as he considered "human resources" as being the most important asset of this country.
“Kay kung kulang ug huyang ang gobyerno sa pagtagad sa ilang panginahanglan, ilabina sa pag-atiman sa maayong panglawas, lisud para kanato ang pagkab-ot sa kauswagan,” Jubahib stressed.
He then expressed gratitude towards the Provincial Health Office staff, various local government units, and academic institutions for their efforts in addressing malnutrition and other nutrition-related issues through their nutrition programs in their communities.
Other awardees
The National Nutritional Council Davao Region also cited Dr. Alfred A. Lacerona and May Flor Espiritu as the Regional Outstanding Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO), and Regional Outstanding District Nutrition Program Coordinator (DNPC), respectively.
“I laud and congratulate the leadership and support of our Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Lacerona, and our Provincial Nutrition Program Coordinator Ms. Espiritu, for their outstanding commitment to ensuring that the breadth of our program implementation, reaches everyone in the Province, especially our vulnerable and underserved sector, such as the indigenous people, the poor and indigent families,” Jubahib said.
The pro-people governor has assured the people of Davao del Norte that his administration would work harder “to ensure that our constituents continue to benefit from our economic gains through the programs and services we provide for them.”
“We shall continue to give premium to accessible, effective, and equitable health and nutrition programs to make sure that there is human capital development for a strong and progressive nation,” Jubahib said. (PR)
Photos from Edith Isidro