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Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Surigao Sur province, city, municipality bag top honors in regional nutrition awards

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY (PIA) — The province of Surigao del Sur, the city of Tandag, and the municipality of Tagbina emerged as top honorees during the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony spearheaded by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga in Butuan City recently.

The provincial government of Surigao del Sur received the prestigious Green Banner Seal of Compliance (GBSC) for its exemplary nutrition program management,  with Provincial Nutrition Office Chief Miloniza N. Serra who accepted the award on behalf of the province. The GBSC is conferred to LGUs that demonstrate excellent performance in nutrition program governance, achieving high marks in vision, policy implementation, and organizational structure.

At the city level, Tandag City once again proved its strength in nutrition governance as City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO) Mary Joy Galolo was named 2024 Regional Outstanding CNAO, while Rhygy Pude was awarded Regional Outstanding Nutrition Program Coordinator. Their recognition adds to Tandag’s consistent record as a CROWN (Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition) awardee.

In her acceptance speech, Galolo dedicated the award to the collective efforts of Tandag’s nutrition champions, led by Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel and supported by the nutrition committees, down to the barangay level.  

“First, allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to our beloved City Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel for her steadfast support and leadership in all our nutrition programs. This award is yours as much as it is mine,” she said, adding that the recognition reflects the passion and dedication of every nutrition worker in Tandag.

She pledged to continue her work with integrity and compassion. “With this award comes a greater responsibility, and I pledge to continue working so that together we can build a stronger, more nourished community — bringing the heart of nutrition, sapat para sa lahat (sufficient for all).”

Meanwhile, the municipality of Tagbina, under the leadership of Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete, secured its second GBSC Award, hailed as a strong validation of its sustained nutrition efforts. The recognition was received by Ambit Untua, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) designate, showcasing Tagbina’s consistency in reducing malnutrition and building healthier communities.

According to the provincial government, these collective milestones underscored Surigao del Sur’s reputation as a nutrition governance powerhouse in Caraga region, along with its local government units, demonstrating strong synergy in implementing programs that directly improve the lives of the constituents.

It added that by embedding nutrition into their development agenda, these LGUs reinforce the goals of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN 2023–2028) and support the national government’s Bagong Pilipinas vision of achieving food security, improved health outcomes, and stronger human capital for every Filipino. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)