Mansaka IP member named national outstanding nutrition scholar

A MEMBER of the Mansaka indigenous people (IP), Angelita Aquino, has been awarded as the country’s Most Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar this year in ceremonies held in Manila Tuesday. Ms. Aquino, who won over some 40,000 other scholars nationwide, is from the remote village of Mapaang in Maco, Compostela Valley. “We are very proud that an IP is this year’s national awardee and she can be an inspiration to our indigenous peoples,” Dr. Maria Teresa L. Ungson, National Nutrition Council (NNC) Regional Nutrition Program coordinator, said in an interview. Ms. Ungson said Ms. Aquino has been able to convince her fellow Mansaka to go beyond the barrier of culture and accept health and nutrition services from government. Ms. Aquino has also been able to tap the military for her feeding program. “When she asks, people help and she has the support of her barangay committee, especially the recipients such as mothers who cooperate in her program because of her tribal background,” Ms. Ungson said. — Maya M. Padillo