By Anthony Ian H. Reyes
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — Nutrition is not just about food; it’s about giving every child the chance to grow, learn, and thrive.
For many families in Region 1, the fight against malnutrition continues daily, but it’s a battle that dedicated community workers like Rashima De Guzman are winning step by step.
At the 2025 Gawad Parangal ng Nutrisyon, held on November 6, 2025 at Hotel Ariana, De Guzman, a Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) from Dagupan City, was named the Regional Outstanding BNS for her efforts to improve her community’s nutritional health.
“Despite challenges like flooding and high tides, our commitment to serve never wavers. Every child who gains weight and every family who practices healthier habits—those are victories no flood can wash away,” De Guzman shared.
Her message captured the essence of nutrition work: making real, everyday impacts on families, especially children.
De Guzman’s dedication remains steadfast, even when floods make reaching remote areas difficult.
For her, success isn’t measured by awards but by tangible changes—when a malnourished child gains weight or families adopt healthier diets.
Kendall Pilgrim A. Gatan, officer-in-charge of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Regional Office 1, underscored the importance of these grassroots efforts in building a healthier future.
“Nutrition is not just a program; it is a pillar of development,” Gatan said. “Through your efforts, we see tangible improvements in communities, especially in reducing malnutrition and improving children’s nutritional status across Region 1.”
At the event, 10 LGUs and Barangay Nutrition Committees (BNCs) were recognized for their contributions to the region’s nutrition programs.
Their combined efforts continue to improve the health and well-being of families in their communities.
Dr. Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, regional director of the Department of Health Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH Ilocos CHD) and chairperson of the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC1), also praised the region’s progress in reducing stunting and wasting among children under five.
“Region 1 now has one of the lowest stunting and wasting prevalence rates among children under five,” Sydiongco noted, highlighting the importance of sustained local action.
But for De Guzman, the true measure of success lies in community resilience. Her story reflects the spirit of development work—improving lives through small, consistent victories that build lasting change.
The Gawad Parangal serves not only as a celebration of the region’s achievements but also as a call to action for everyone to help improve nutrition outcomes.
“We are the bridge between programs and people, between knowledge and action, between hope and change,” De Guzman concluded. CCMT, AIHR, PIA Region 1).
