Three consecutive recognition rites are Valenzuela City’s culminating activities for the nutrition month celebration dubbed as, “Gutom at Malnutrisyon Sama-sama nating Wakasan,” organized by the City Health Office (CHO), to honor health workers and advocates who have demonstrated selfless acts of volunteerism which helped the city government cascade down its nutrition programs more efficiently.

 

The categories of the awards include the acknowledgment of Outstanding City Health Employees on Field, Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (OBNS) and Outstanding Nutrition Committees. The presidents of Barangay Health Workers (BHW) in the past 25 years were also awarded of plaques of appreciation.

 

City Mayor REX T. Gatchalian thanked the awardees and the rest of the health workers for their dedication and unyielding sacrifices to take care of Valenzuelanos with health concerns. He shared in his speech, “I tremendously appreciate your whole-hearted commitment to serve our constituents, especially in times of disasters like that of typhoon Ondoy and Habagat. Your contribution toward service efficiency is highly commendable.” 

 

The awarding of Outstanding City Health Employees on Field held last July 30 was themed “Magaling na Paglilingkod, Kayamanan ng Lungsod.” This quarterly bestowment of recognition is a brainchild of City Health Department Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Jaime Exconde, which aims to inspire the employees collectively to improve their services. The second quarter awardees were: Ma. Teresa M. Dequican (Barangay Nutrition Scholar), Cheryl C. Go, DMD (Dentist), Maybelyn M. Fontanilla (Dental Aide), Beata D. Olleta, RM (Health Center Midwife), Hanzzel E. Bisa, RM (Lying-in Clinic Midwife), Ma. Teresita M. Rivera, RMT (Medical Technologist), Rebecca G. Francisco, RN (Nurse), Maria Lourdes R. Gregorio, RN (Nurse), Ma. Theresa Dela Paz (Physical Therapist), and Jean Paula S. Custodio, MD (Physician).

 

The distinction for the Most Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar was conferred to Josephine Ignacio of Barangay Pasolo during the Recognition of Nutrition Partners held last July 31 . Based on the performance metrics of the National Nutrition Council, Ms. Ignacio has the best over-all rating in Valenzuela City for the year 2012.

 

The selection for the Outstanding Nutrition Committees is anchored on the level of support being given by the barangay councils on their respective health programs. The support is quantified in terms of the existence of (1) a resolution that establishes the nutrition committee, (2) nutrition budget, allocated and expended, (3) nutrition activities, (4) infant and young child feeding program, and (5) breastfeeding support group. The nine best barangay committees are from barangays Bignay, Dalandanan, Pasolo, Lawang Bato, Arkong Bato, Maysan, Marulas, Ugong, and Mapulang Lupa.

 

The anniversary party of Valenzuela City’s BHWs, held today, August 1, dubbed as, “Tayo na, Barangay Health Workers sa Masaya at Makulay na 25 Taon na Paglilingkod,” had been a venue, as well, for saluting the loyalty and leadership of all its past presidents. The four women who received the valuable distinctions were Teresita Geron, Siplicia Ingreso, edith Daguiso and Adela Divino.

 

Mayor REX stated that a Php 40 million-worth project to renovate health centers is set to take place soon. He shared, “According to a certain study, there are two requirements in establishing a health center – it should follow a standard size and it should also be equipped with sufficient facilities.” The phase 1 of the renovation project will prioritize existing centers which qualified on the space requirement. The next phases will entail relocation of health centers which need to have a larger floor area.

 

Mayor REX also appealed to the BHWs to support “Save the Children,” an internationally active non-governmental organization that promotes children's rights, provides relief and helps support children in developing countries. “We shall build onsite day care centers for young children who have not entered formal school yet. I am confident that our BHWs are capable not only of teaching young minds, but also of immersing themselves with parents who may need training on character building and parenting,” Mayor REX said.

 

The BHWs were overjoyed on the chief executive’s announcement that he will fully support the passage of an ordinance that will increase the allowance of the city’s BHWs.

 

The awarding of the Best Urban Garden was also held.  The grand winners in the three categories are:  Best Home Garden - Myrna Lagunday of Barangay Gen. T. De Leon, Best Community Garden - Mapulang Lupa Metro Villa Homeowners Association, and Best School Garden - Marulas Central School.

 

The three-day awarding ceremonies were graced by first district Councilors Marlon Alejandrino, Antonio Espiritu, Jenny Esplana and Rovin Feliciano, and second district Councilors, Lai Nolasco and Charee Pineda.