From policy to healthy menu: Tandag City’s nutrition governance gets highest honor nationwide
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The city government of Tandag for the second time clinched the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) National Award, towering above all awardees nationwide, a distinction that affirms Tandag City’s sustained, high-impact implementation of nutrition programs under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).
Able to translate national nutrition policies into concrete gains at the household level, the city government of Tandag continues to demonstrate excellence in nutrition governance as it championed national recognition while rewarding the dedication of its frontline nutrition workers.
In recognition of outstanding performance, Regional Outstanding City Nutrition Action Officer (ROCNAO) Mary Joy A. Galolo-Ongayo received a ₱30,000 cash incentive, and Regional Outstanding City Nutrition Program Coordinator (ROCNPC) Rhygy G. Pude was awarded ₱25,000.
Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) also received ₱6,000 each, underscoring the city’s commitment to motivating grassroots nutrition champions who bring services directly to communities.
The prestigious award was formally presented earlier this month to Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel at the City Mayor’s Office, together with City Nutrition Action Officer Mary Joy G. Ongayo, City Nutrition Program Coordinator Rhygy G. Pude, and the dedicated personnel of the City Nutrition Office.
The city’s national recognition was further strengthened when Ongayo was named National Outstanding City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officer during the 2025 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony (NNAC) held on December 15, 2025, at The Manila Hotel. National and regional officials, including DSWD Secretary Baldr H. Bringas, DOH-CHD Caraga Director Sadaila K. Raki-in, Dr. Niño Archie Labordo, NNC Caraga Regional Nutrition Program coordinator, and Dr. Emmanuel Jay Dimal of the NNC Central Office, attended the ceremony. Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) members Gay Geraldine G. Tan and John Paul C. Pimentel received the award on behalf of Mayor Pimentel.
Ongayo attributed the city’s achievements to strong leadership and collective action across all levels of governance. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our City Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel, also the chairperson of the City Nutrition Committee; Vice Mayor Eleanor D. Momo, as co-chairperson; and the Sangguniang Panlungsod members, particularly the Committee on Health and Nutrition led by SP John Paul C. Pimentel.”
“The city’s success would not be possible without the dedication of City Nutrition Committee members, partner stakeholders, barangay nutrition committees, and most especially the barangay nutrition scholars, whom she described as true heroes in delivering nutrition services at the grassroots,” she said.
The National Nutrition Council recognized 26 local government units, four National Outstanding Local Nutrition Focal Points, and one National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar during the 2025 NNAC, based on the results of the MELLPI Pro, an inter-agency assessment tool measuring LGU performance and contribution to PPAN targets.
Tandag City’s top 1 national ranking reflects its unwavering commitment to improving nutrition outcomes through strong leadership, effective inter-agency collaboration, and people-centered programs, setting a national benchmark on how policies, when effectively implemented, can truly move from policy to plate and improve the lives of Filipino families. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
