TAGUIG CITY – The National Nutrition Council (NNC) recognized outstanding local government unit (LGUs) and local nutrition focal points (LNFPs) for their exemplary efforts in implementing effective and sustainable nutrition programs during the 2024 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony on March 7, 2025.
The event also highlighted the crucial role of LGUs in improving the country’s nutrition
situation, particularly among infants, young children, mothers, and other vulnerable groups in
communities.
In his keynote message, His Excellency, President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr. reaffirmed
the national government’s continued support to LGUs in our fight against malnutrition with the
implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition or PPAN.
For 2024, seven national awards were given by the National Nutrition Council, namely the 1)
Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award; 2) First Year CROWN
Maintenance Award; 3) National Outstanding Provincial Nutrition Action Officer; 4) City/Municipal
Nutrition Action Officer; 5) District Nutrition Program Coordinator; 6) City/Municipal Nutrition
Program Coordinator; and 7) National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar.
Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, earned the top rank for the CROWN Award, having achieved an
exemplary MELLPI Pro rating of 90 and consistent green banner awardee for 3 years, emerging as the
leading LGU in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Also receiving the CROWN Award, along with a trophy and a cash prize of Php500,000, are the other top-ranking LGUs namely Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; Paranas, Samar; Maco, Davao de Oro; Asipulo Ifugao; and El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.
In addition, the following LGUs have also been conferred the CROWN award for their continued efforts in their nutrition programs and will also receive a trophy: Iloilo Province; Tabaco City, Albay; South Cotabato Province; Calaca City, Batangas; Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur; Bayambang, Pangasinan; Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya; Baliwag City, Bulacan; Parañaque City; and Balilihan, Bohol.
Additionally, seven LGUs also received the First Year CROWN Maintenance Award, as evaluated by
the National Nutrition Evaluation Team (NET), with Urdaneta City, Pangasinan; Diffun, Quirino; Guiguinto, Bulacan; Tayabas City, Quezon; Muntinlupa City; Sumilao, Bukidnon; and Tandag City, Surigao del Sur being recognized for their performance.
Individual awards were also given. It is a double feat for the hardworking nutrition frontliners of
South Cotabato province as Mr. Rudy S. Jimenea and Ms. Angela B. Frugalidad were respectively
hailed as the 2024 National Outstanding Provincial Nutrition Action Officer and 2024 National
Outstanding District Nutrition Program Coordinator. Ms. Rikki Mae B. Lucero from Manolo Fortich,
Bukidnon received the National Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Action Officer and Ms. Beatriz Erika T. Breva from Santo Tomas City, Batangas, got the coveted National Outstanding City Nutrition
Program Coordinator. Ms. Judith N. Medilo from Brgy. San Jose, Ibajay, Aklan, was awarded the title
of 2024 National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar for her dedication to the community and
families of her barangay.
Since 1978, the NNC has conducted annual evaluations to assess the progress and performance of LGUs in addressing nutrition challenges in their respective communities.
The NNC commends outstanding LGUs’ dedication to strengthening nutrition structures, prioritizing human resource complement, mobilizing resources, financing nutrition programs, enacting supportive legislation, and engaging communities in delivering targeted nutrition services.
LGUs and LNFPs have played an essential role in integrating the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) into their respective
policies and initiatives, ensuring that nutrition remains a priority in their areas.
Transforming nutrition through innovations
Over the years, various innovative and impactful strategies have been introduced to address the
nutritional needs of the community. To maintain the effectiveness of these programs, the NNC
conducts nationwide monitoring and evaluation alongside recognition of high-performing local
government by conferring regional and national awards. Through the Monitoring and Evaluation of
Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro), LGUs undergo assessments, requiring them
to pass relevant ordinances, allocate budgets for nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive activities,
and sustain comprehensive nutrition programs.
Their evaluation encompasses governance, nutrition policies, and local nutrition committee management, while LNFPs are assessed based on their capability in managing nutrition initiatives.
MELLPI Pro scores serve as a benchmark, encouraging LGUs and LNFPs to focus on nutritionally depressed areas.
Achieving the minimum required score qualifies LGU for recognition with sustained excellence leading to the prestigious CROWN and Nutrition Honor Award.
Those maintaining three consecutive years of Green Banner Seal of Compliance status and achieving a rating of at least 90 in their third year qualify for the CROWN Award, while continuous excellence over six years makes them eligible for the NHA.
Alongside the award, CROWN and NHA recipients receive cash incentives and trophies. Beyond the NHA line, the NNC also evaluates individuals to recognize their unwavering dedication and efforts to advance nutrition agenda in their areas.
Awardees undergo coaching and mentoring from the NNC Regional Offices.
The 2024 NNAC gathered nearly 400 participants, including awardees, NNC officials and staff, representatives from national government agencies, UN organizations, academe, and non-government organizations.
The event was graced by key figures such as members of the NNC governing board and technical committee, nutrition champions, and local chief executives.
NNC Executive Director IV and Assistant Secretary Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang welcomed the awardees and guests, emphasizing the significance of their contributions to nutrition advocacy.
The ceremony was further highlighted by the presence of His Excellency, President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr., who personally presented awards to select honorees and delivered the keynote address, commending LGUs and LNFPs for their strong commitment to nutrition improvement.
The annual conduct of NNAC is an attestation of the unwavering commitment of LGUs and LNFPs in addressing malnutrition in the country.
Their achievements are proof that reducing all forms of malnutrition is possible through commitment, collaboration, and sustainable action.
As we honor this year’s nutrition champions, it is our hope that these outstanding LGUs and LNFPs will inspire more communities to adopt and replicate their best practices.
