By Nimfa Estrellado Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan proudly accepts the Green Banner Seal of Compliance on behalf of Quezon Province...
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| Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan proudly accepts the Green Banner Seal of Compliance on behalf of Quezon Province at the Calabarzon Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC) 2024, held at the Acacia Hotel in Muntinlupa City. (Photo from Quezon PIO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Quezon Province has once again earned the prestigious Green Banner Seal of Compliance, a testament to its unwavering dedication to improving community health through effective nutrition programs. This marks the second consecutive year the province has received this recognition, highlighting its sustained efforts in combating malnutrition and promoting the well-being of its residents.
The recent award was presented at the Calabarzon Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (RNAC) 2024 held at the Acacia Hotel in Muntinlupa City. Themed "Pagkain ng Wasto, Araw-araw Ito!", the event celebrated the culmination of the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) Pro 2024 and commemorated the 50th anniversary of the National Nutrition Council (NNC).
Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan proudly accepted the award on behalf of the province, acknowledging the collective effort of local nutrition committees, health workers, and community volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that communities have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
"This award belongs to every individual who has contributed to our efforts in promoting nutrition," shared Governor Tan. "From our dedicated health workers to our community volunteers, this success is a shared victory for Quezon Province. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and passion for building a healthier Quezon."
This success is further underscored by the Provincial Multisectoral Council's (PNMC) achievements. On September 23, 2024, the PNMC held its third-quarter meeting in conjunction with the Regional MELLPI Protocol evaluation.
Led by the Provincial Health Office-Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PHO-PNAO) and evaluators from the NNC CALABARZON, the evaluation assessed the province's nutrition programs and plans for 2023. Quezon Province achieved an impressive MELLPI score of 90.01, demonstrating its comprehensive and effective approach to nutrition.
The Green Banner Seal of Compliance signifies excellence in nutrition governance and service delivery. To earn this award, local government units must demonstrate a strong vision for nutrition, backed by political will and adequate resources.
Furthermore, they need to establish a collaborative Local Nutrition Committee that effectively coordinates efforts across different sectors. This ensures that everyone, from health workers to community leaders, is working together to achieve shared nutrition goals.
Awardees must also implement a range of evidence-based interventions. These include providing nutrition education and counseling, distributing vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies, and regularly monitoring the growth of young children. They also need to offer specialized care and support to children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
Quezon Province exceeded these requirements, achieving an overall rating of 85% or higher in the MELLPI. This accomplishment underscores the province's multi-sectoral approach to addressing malnutrition, involving health workers, educators, community leaders, and local government officials.
"We firmly believe that investing in nutrition is investing in the future of our province," emphasized Governor Tan. "By prioritizing nutrition, we are laying the foundation for a healthier, more productive, and more prosperous Quezon."
Quezon Province's dedication to nutrition is reflected in its impressive achievements. The province has made significant strides in reducing childhood stunting, improving exclusive breastfeeding rates, and increasing vitamin A supplementation and access to iodized salt. These advancements are complemented by initiatives such as the Provincial Nutrition Action Office's Enhanced Nutribun Supplementation Program.
"These positive results demonstrate the effectiveness of our collaborative approach to nutrition," added the Governor. "We have implemented a range of programs, from community-based nutrition education to targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, and we are seeing real progress."
The RNAC convened over 300 attendees, including local chief executives, nutrition action officers, and health officials from across Calabarzon. Assistant Secretary Ariel I. Valencia of the DOH-CHD Calabarzon and RNPC Ms. Lourdes Bulante-Orongan of NNC Calabarzon emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving better nutrition for all.
Individual contributions to Quezon Province's success were also recognized. Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Joan Maricel Zeta-Decena received the Regional Outstanding Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Award (2nd place), and Candelaria's Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Graciella Ramos received the Regional Outstanding City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Award.
The Green Banner Seal of Compliance represents a significant achievement in local governance, signifying Quezon Province's dedication to effective nutrition programs, strong community engagement, and ultimately, a healthier future for all its residents.
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