DUMAGUETE CITY — The City Government of Dumaguete brought home five major accolades from the Grand Nutrition Awards 2026 held in Cebu City on August 14. The recognition underscores the city's strong commitment to ending malnutrition and building healthier communities.
A Sweep of Regional Recognition
The city's nutrition programs earned the prestigious Green Banner Seal of Compliance Award for the second consecutive year. This award is given to local governments that score 85 percent or higher on national nutrition standards. It reflects sustained excellence in implementing effective health and feeding initiatives across the city.
The Dumaguete City Nutrition Council also won the Best Facebook Page Award. This recognition highlights the council's outstanding use of digital platforms for public engagement and information dissemination. It shows how technology can be leveraged to promote community health.
Champions of Local Nutrition Leadership
Delia E. Serion, the City Nutrition Action Officer, was named Regional Outstanding CNAO for Region 7. Her visionary leadership has transformed local nutrition programs into community-owned systems. The award recognizes her dedication to integrating nutrition into the fabric of daily governance.
Ms. Stanlee Abadilla of Barangay Calindagan received the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar award. Her work at the grassroots level has been instrumental in reaching vulnerable families. The award honors her commitment to frontline service and public health.
Barangay Poblacion 8: A Model for Food Security
Barangay Poblacion 8 was recognized as the Regional Outstanding Barangay. The community was cited for its exemplary local planning and budgeting. They established an accessible local food system that supplies affordable fresh vegetables to residents.
This innovative approach directly addresses food insecurity at its source. It ensures that healthy options are within reach for every family in the barangay. The program serves as a model for other communities to replicate.
A Collaborative Effort
Mayor Manuel T. Sagarbarria, who chairs the City Nutrition Council, spearheaded these achievements. The success was made possible through the collaboration of council members, legislators, barangay partners, and dedicated nutrition workers. This united approach is key to sustaining the city's health gains.
The awards reflect a shared vision for a well-nourished and resilient Dumaguete. Each recognition represents countless hours of community engagement and service. The city remains committed to its mission of ensuring a healthier future for every Dumagueteño.

