A few years ago, Isabela City was only beginning its journey toward building a healthier, more nourished community. Now, it stands tall—crowned as one of the country’s Consistent Regional Outstanding Winners in Nutrition (CROWN).
In 2025, Isabela City earned this prestigious national recognition from the National Nutrition Council (NNC) after securing the Green Banner Seal of Compliance for three consecutive years—a feat that reflects unwavering excellence in nutrition governance and program implementation. The award was personally received by Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, together with City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO) Jesielyn Puno, December 15. More than an award, the CROWN tells a story of leadership, compassion, and transformation. It is the story of a local government that turned statistics into stories of hope, and programs into promises fulfilled for every Isabeleño child and family.
A Vision Rooted in Care and ResponsibilityWhen Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman assumed office in 2019, Isabela City faced serious nutrition challenges. The stunting rate among children stood at 18.2%, while 12% were underweight—figures that reflected deep-rooted social and economic concerns.
With courage and compassion, Mayor Dadah placed nutrition at the heart of her governance agenda. She believed that ensuring every child’s right to food, health, and dignity was not only a public health goal—but a moral duty. Guided by this conviction, the city embarked on an unprecedented transformation. By 2023, the stunting rate had dropped to 0.9%, and underweight prevalence fell to 0.8%—clear evidence that deliberate, people-centered policies save lives and shape futures.
From Green Banner to CROWNIsabela City first earned the Green Banner Seal of Compliance in 2022, signaling a new era in nutrition governance. The recognition affirmed the effective implementation of the City Nutrition Action Plan, driven by a strong and functional Local Nutrition Committee (LNC) and reinforced by proactive barangay nutrition networks.
The city did not simply sustain this achievement in 2023 and 2024—it continuously improved its performance, culminating in a 93.24% rating during the most recent MELLPI-Pro evaluation. This consistent excellence ultimately led to the CROWN Award in 2025, symbolizing three consecutive years of outstanding performance and a deeply embedded culture of accountability, innovation, and inclusivity.
Nutrition as a Pillar of DevelopmentUnder Mayor Dadah’s leadership, nutrition was never treated as a standalone program. Instead, it was integrated into every aspect of local development, anchored on five key strategies:
Inclusive and Empowered Communities.
Every sector—fisherfolk, farmers, women, Indigenous Peoples, senior citizens, and youth—was heard and involved. Nutrition became a shared responsibility, owned by the community itself.
Sustained Investment in Nutrition.
From P850,000 in 2019 to P3,477,000 in 2024, Isabela City recorded the highest LGU nutrition allocation in Region IX. These investments supported supplemental feeding, food production, capacity-building, and community-based interventions.
Mangan Para Alasig: Nourishing for the Long TermThe city’s flagship program, Mangan Para Alasig (Eat to Be Healthy), redefined supplemental feeding. Rather than short-term feeding drives, the program delivers 90-day feeding sessions for nutritionally at-risk pregnant women and 120-day interventions for malnourished children. Meals are freshly prepared using locally sourced, nutrient-rich ingredients. Beyond feeding, the program integrates nutrition education, prenatal monitoring, and post-feeding assessments—creating a holistic cycle of care, learning, and empowerment.
Innovation and CollaborationThrough partnerships such as Kids Who Farm, the city introduced Gardenators—a youth- and community-led initiative providing container gardens, seeds, and technical training, particularly in Indigenous Peoples communities.
Media platforms like IsaTV Channel and Radyo Komunidad (RKFM 97.5) further strengthened advocacy through the award-winning DAH Cooking Show, blending local cuisine with practical nutrition education.
Data-Driven and Transparent GovernanceConsistent MELLPI-Pro monitoring and evaluation ensured that decisions were guided by real-time data and evidence. Programs were refined based on results, proving that compassion is strongest when paired with competence.
Together, these strategies formed a blueprint now looked to by other LGUs—a model where data is guided by dignity, and governance is anchored in care.
The Champions Behind the CROWNThis milestone was the result of collective effort and steadfast commitment. At the forefront were City Nutrition Action Officer and concurrent City Planning and Management Development Officer Jesielyn Puno, and Nutrition Action Focal Person RNO Nujaima Abdurahman, whose leadership and technical expertise steered the city’s nutrition initiatives to national acclaim.
Barangay Nutrition Scholars, health workers, and local partners sustained daily operations in communities, ensuring that services reached even the most remote households. Their dedication was matched by the unwavering political support of Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, whose governance philosophy made nutrition a citywide priority—not just a project, but a promise.
“When our children are nourished, our future is secure,” Mayor Dadah shared. “This CROWN belongs to every Isabeleño who believes that good governance can nourish both the body and the spirit.”
Beyond the Crown: A Legacy of Health and HopeFor Isabela City, the CROWN Award is both a celebration and a challenge—to sustain gains, deepen innovation, and inspire others. The city now sets its sights on the CROWN Maintenance Award, focusing on stronger community ownership, localized food production, and continued reduction of malnutrition across all age groups.
From the Green Banner to the CROWN, Isabela City’s journey proves that with the right leadership, a shared vision, and compassion-driven governance, even the most persistent challenges can be overcome. In every nourished child, every empowered mother, and every thriving community garden lies the true victory of Isabela City—a city crowned not only with excellence, but with heart.
