Empowering communities: Inspiring story of a 59-year-old barangay worker recognized by Nat'l Nutrition Council
A 59-year-old barangay worker from Muntinlupa City was recognized by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) for her outstanding service and commitment to nutrition advancement.

The NCC, Monday, Feb. 12, recognized Alicia Tanabe, a nutrition scholar from Barangay Alabang in Muntinlupa City, for her exceptional dedication and contributions to nutrition services within her community.
Tanabe emerged victorious as the recipient of the esteemed 2022 National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (NOBNS) Award during the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held at the Manila Hotel.
Tanabe was presented with a cash prize of P150,000 along with the prestigious NOBNS trophy.
The NNC emphasized the pivotal role played by barangay nutrition scholars like Tanabe in implementing and coordinating nutrition programs at the grassroots level, ensuring that vital services reach target beneficiaries.
Each year, the NNC acknowledges the outstanding performance of barangay nutrition scholars through rigorous regional and national evaluations.
To attain the NOBNS distinction, candidates must achieve a remarkable 90 percent score based on evaluations encompassing various criteria such as the MELLPI Pro tool, practical exams, and interviews.
NCC noted that Tanabe's vibrant approach to delivering nutrition services, particularly to vulnerable groups in Barangay Alabang, has garnered praise and admiration from her peers and constituents.
Tanabe's efforts, NCC said, have significantly contributed to the success of various nutrition programs in her barangay, including the EaTINg Program, aimed at addressing malnutrition among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Moreover, her advocacy extends beyond feeding programs to encompass comprehensive nutrition education and monitoring initiatives targeting all age groups, including fathers and senior citizens.
Her tireless efforts, combined with Barangay Alabang's substantial investment of P1.5 million in nutrition programs and services, have yielded tangible results.
In 2022, Barangay Alabang recorded impressive outcomes, with 96.5 percent of children in all puroks having their nutritional status assessed through Operation Timbang Plus.
The NNC stressed that the prevalence of underweight, stunted, and wasted children in the barangay was notably low compared to national averages, reflecting the efficacy of Tanabe's initiatives.
Her success story underscored the transformative impact of dedicated volunteer workers supported by proactive barangay nutrition committees in improving community nutrition outcomes.
Tanabe's experiences illustrate how commitment, effort, and community backing can instigate positive transformations from the ground up.