The Davao del Norte provincial government was recognized by the National Nutritional Council Davao Region (NNC-11) on Friday for implementing nutrition programs effectively.

In a ceremony held here, Davao del Norte received the “Pag-asa Award for Provincial Level” for 2022, a distinction given by NNC-11 in recognition of the provincial government’s outstanding planning, management and implementation of local nutrition programs.

The province recorded the lowest prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight, overweight and obesity based on the 2022 Operation Timbang Plus (OTP) results in the region.

“I would like to share this success with those who worked hard to bring fulfillment to our nutrition programs in the province, especially to our barangay health workers, barangay nutrition scholars, and coordinators, who are at the frontline of the program implementation in the grassroots communities,” Governor Edwin Jubahib said.

He said the recognition demonstrated his administration’s dedication in tackling malnutrition and promoting the well-being and vitality of children.

“Health and social services undoubtedly occupy a very important space in my administration,” Jubahib said.

He also thanked the provincial health office, local government units, and academic institutions for their efforts in addressing malnutrition and other nutrition-related issues in their respective communities.

The NNC-11 also cited Dr. Alfred Lacerona, the Davao del Norte Provincial Health Office head, and May Flor Espiritu, as Regional Outstanding Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, and Regional Outstanding District Nutrition Program Coordinator, respectively. (PNA)