Nutrition champions of Agusan Sur bag multiple accolades in Regional Nutrition Awards 2026
By Nina Jonalyn G. Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Local government units (LGUs) and nutrition workers from Agusan del Sur dominated the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony 2026, taking home major honors for their outstanding performance in nutrition program management and governance across the Caraga region.
Leading the individual awardees was Laniebelle T. Angchangco, who was named Regional Outstanding Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) for two consecutive years, covering 2024 and 2025. The recognition comes following Angchangco’s retirement earlier this year after 39 years of public service dedicated to advancing nutrition throughout Agusan del Sur.
Local nutrition action officers from across the province also secured top regional titles. Ana Jane M. Garcia of Bayugan City was awarded Regional Outstanding City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO), while Charlaine Ayessa M. Rubillos of San Francisco won Regional Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO).
“For our barangay nutrition scholars (BNSs), this award is for you,” said Rubillos.
“Everything I am now as your MNAO, I learned all of these from the experiences and stories you have shared with me throughout this journey. I will always be here to support you and the entire municipality in driving better nutrition in every household of San Francisco,” she added.
At the grassroots level, Antonia C. Samoya of Talacogon was honored as the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS). “I am grateful to God for giving me the wisdom, knowledge, strength, and protection to continue serving my community and contributing to the improvement of its nutritional well-being,” Samoya expressed emotionally.
Mayor Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo of the Municipality of San Francisco was conferred the prestigious 2025 Caraga Nutrition Champion award for her local administration’s commitment to advancing health and nutrition initiatives.
In the institutional categories, San Francisco achieved the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner for Nutrition (CROWN) Award. Meanwhile, the municipality of Rosario earned the 1st Year CROWN Maintenance Award for maintaining its CROWN status for two consecutive years. Rosario Mayor Jupiter C. Abulog personally received the award and committed to continuously improving the municipality’s nutrition program implementation through the LGU’s support.
A total of 12 LGUs from the province received the Green Banner Seal of Compliance Award for exemplary local nutrition program execution. The awardees include Bayugan City and the municipalities of Sibagat, Talacogon, San Luis, Trento, La Paz, Sta. Josefa, Loreto, Esperanza, Veruela, Prosperidad, and San Francisco.
Special citations were also conferred during the event:
* Local Government Unit (LGU) with Active Participation of Youth Network: Bayugan City
* Social Media Award: Facebook pages “Nutrition Updates Bayugan City” and “Talacogon Nutrition Services”
Doctor Niño Archie S. Labordo, regional nutrition program coordinator of Region VII, who served in the Caraga Region, was the keynote speaker during the awarding ceremony. In his message, he lauded the efforts and contributions of all the awardees, nutrition partners, and stakeholders in collectively striving to promote better nutrition to every Caraganon family.
“May this recognition serve not only as a celebration of what you have accomplished, but as an inspiration to continue leading, innovating, and sharing your best practices with communities across the region. Together, let us build a healthier, stronger, and nutrition-resilient future for every Caraganon,” shared Labordo.
The annual awards evaluate and recognize the performance of local government units (LGUs), nutrition committees, and field workers in reducing malnutrition and implementing sustainable local nutrition programs throughout Caraga. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)
