KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato bagged the most coveted Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner Award at the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony, securing its second consecutive Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award.
The prestigious conferment marks the fourth consecutive year that the province has been recognized for its high-impact nutrition initiatives—a track record that includes three Green Banner Seals of Compliance and back-to-back CROWN titles.
Speaking on behalf of the provincial administration, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Rudy Jimenea emphasized that while the recognition brings immense pride, its real value lies in the responsibility it imposes on local leadership.
“It is a great honor to accept this award, but it comes with an even greater responsibility,” Jimenea stated.
Jimenea said, achieving for the fourth consecutive year—with three Green Banners and two back-to-back CROWN awards—is not just a milestone.
“It serves as a constant reminder for us to continuously implement, innovate, and expand our nutrition programs so that no South Cotabateño is left behind,” he said.
Beyond the institutional recognition for the province, South Cotabato’s frontline nutrition workers swept the event’s top individual categories like the Outstanding Provincial Nutrition Coordinator through Liza Enamno (Nutrition Officer I). Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Coordinator is Chelsea Mariveles of the town of Suralah.
Meanwhile, the Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) is Anabel Balajadia (Brgy. Teresita, Sto. Niño). Balajadia is also the regional entry to the national level.
For grassroots implementers, the regional recognition underscores the direct impact of community-level interventions. Regional Outstanding BNS Anabel Balajadia highlighted that the award reinforces her commitment to her home barangay.
“This award is a huge inspiration for us at the grassroots level. It motivates us to work harder and provide even wider, more effective services to our constituents in the community,” Balajadia shared.
Under the administration of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., the Provincial Nutrition Committee has integrated nutrition interventions directly into its primary health care framework, driving down malnutrition rates through multi-sectoral partnerships, barangay-level feeding programs, and continuous capability-building for rural health workers.
