The Municipality of Bontoc received its second Green Banner Seal of Compliance
Award from the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and the Regional Nutrition Committee
(RNC) in recognition of its exemplary intervention programs to eradicate malnutrition
among its young population.
The Green Banner Seal of Compliance is awarded to Local Government Units (LGUs)
with an average rating of below 60% per dimension and an overall rating of at least 85%
using the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) Pro
Tool. As a Green Banner Seal of Compliance Awardee, Bontoc received a financial
incentive of P10,000 incentive from the RNC.
Also, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Venous Faith Cofulan of Bontoc is the 2023
Regional Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Action Officer. She received a Plaque of
Recognition and a financial incentive of P50,000.
Aside from the two major awards, Bontoc received a Certificate of Commendation as
one of the LGUs in the region with Below 10% Stunting Prevalence in 2023 based on
Operation Timbang Plus.
The accolades accorded to Bontoc were received by Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong,
Jr., Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Venous Faith Cofulan and Nurse I Achilles
Feckleng, Jr., from the Municipal Health Office (MHO) during the Regional Nutrition
Awarding Ceremony (RNAC) in Baguio City on October 17, 2024.
In an interview, Mayor Tudlong credited the accolades to distinct nutrition innovations
and collaborative efforts of the Bontoc LGU workforce and partner stakeholders down to
the barangay level in implementing programs and improving the nutritional status of the
people in the community, particularly infants, children, and mothers.
Further, the mayor lauded Cofulan as the 2023 Regional Outstanding Municipal
Nutrition Action Officer, along with her immediate supervisor, Municipal Health Officer
Dr .Diga Kay Gomez for dedication and commitment to implementing the nutrition and
sustainable intervention programs of the Municipal Nutrition Council (MNC) that have
impacted the community’s nutrition status.
“These awards will also serve as an inspiration to the municipality to continue its
advocacy in making every resident healthy by promoting the consumption of nutritious
food, proper diet, and exercise; along with our various innovation programs on nutrition,”
Mayor Tudlong remarked.
Meanwhile, Cofulan who spoke before hundreds of attendees during the RNAC credited
the recognition received to the MNC, MHO and partner stakeholders. According to her ,
she is fortunate to work alongside the most dedicated team in the Municipality of
Bontoc, who share the same passion and compassion to serve kakailyan or kababayan.
“Our motivation goes beyond plaques and awards; it is driven by the knowledge that
through our local government programs, we can uplift the lives of our kakailyan. This
recognition serves as an inspiration for us to continue what we have started and to help
our community even more. We are committed to ensuring that every initiative we
undertake brings positive change and hope to our community,” she emphasized.
She encouraged her fellow healthcare colleagues, to always remember that their
achievements are the fruits of their labor and a reflection of their passion and
commitment.
“In our field, it is essential to put our hearts into everything we do. Whether big or small,
every effort counts. Let us not leave any stone unturned in our pursuit of excellence. At
the end of the day, our true fulfillment comes not from the salaries we receive, but from
knowing that we have done our best. Our commitment, passion, and drive to serve the
public are what fuel our work. Let us take pride in our mission and continue to strive for
success. Together, we can turn our dreams of better nutrition into tangible outcomes.
Let us make a difference—not just for ourselves, but for every individual and family who
relies on our programs for a healthier future,” the 2023 Regional Outstanding Municipal
Nutrition Action Officer highlighted.
Further, she shared the best practices of the Bontoc MNC especially on funding for the
implementation of the nutrition program. This is through collaboration with other offices
and agencies for the realization and implementation of various proposed nutrition
programs.
Among the nutrition programs conducted by the Bontoc LGU are the regular OPT and
OPT validation; monthly monitoring of malnourished cases; and intensive and
continuous Information Education and Communication (IEC) campaign for adolescents
and lactating mothers on malnutrition prevention.
As an intervention, families with malnourished children were provided with a livelihood
through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAg). They were provided with free-
range chicken and were encouraged to venture into brown egg production.
Also, the Bontoc MNC continuously promotes backyard gardening of which the OMAg
has provided vegetable seedlings to the parents of malnourished children.
Aside from these initiatives, the free newborn screening program of Bontoc LGU is
serving its purpose especially since home deliveries and delivery in barangay birthing
clinics still occur, particularly in far-flung barangays. The result of the newborn screening
allows health professionals to administer treatment to mitigate and control the effects.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Mountain has been conferred the 2023 Green
Banner Seal of Compliance Award and a Certificate of Commendation for the
continuous decrease of stunting prevalence from 2021-2023. Also, the Municipality of
Barlig is a 2023 Green Banner Seal of Compliance Awardee.
The other municipalities in Mountain Province that received Certificates of
Commendation as LGUs with continuous decrease in stunting prevalence from 2021-
2023 are Barlig, Bauko, Besao, Natonin, Paracelis, Sabangan, Sagada, and Tadian.
Also, the municipalities that received Certificates of Commendation for LGU with below
10% stunting prevalence among 0-59 months children in 2023 are Barlig, Bauko,
Bontoc, and Sabangan. // Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay, Bontoc LGU
