The search for the 2016 National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars (NOBNS) is well underway with Assistant Secretary of Health and NNC Executive Director Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, leading the National Nutrition Council (NNC) interagency National Nutrition Evaluation Team, during the evaluation period of October to November 2017.

The search will measure the performance of the BNS and recognize those with exemplary performance in the delivery of basic nutrition and nutrition-related services in his/her barangay. Through an intensive process led by NNC, the top 8 Regional Outstanding BNSs from among the more than 40,000 BNSs deployed nationwide, were shortlisted as this year’s finalists.

The top 8 BNS vying for the title, arranged by region are:

1. Ms. Concepcion Vanessa A. Cabugao, Brgy. Radiwan, Ivana, Batanes, Region II
2. Ms. Imelda C. Dagupo, Brgy. Imelda Village, Baguio City, Cordillera Administrative Region
3. Ms. Thelma S. Esteban, Brgy. Bugtong na Buli, Talavera, Nueva Ecija
4. Ms. Irene B. Neulid, Brgy. Maitim 2^nd East, Tagaytay City, CALABARZON
5. Ms. Nilda M. Aguilar, Brgy. Manggahan, Pasig City, National Capital Region
6. Ms. Angelie B. Mamentad, Brgy. Milagrosa, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, Region IX
7. Ms. Gloria A. Kudera, Brgy. Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley, Region XI
8. Ms. Meddy t. Repollo, Brgy. Sudapin, Kidapawan City, Region XII

Each of the finalists will receive a certificate of merit and cash prize of Php15,000.00, while the 2^nd and 1^st runners up will receive certificates of recognition and cash prize of Php80,000.00 and Php100,000.00 respectively.  The title winner of the 2016 National Outstanding BNS will receive a trophy of recognition and cash prize amounting to Php150,000.00. The awards will be conferred on 12 December 2017, during the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony, in the historic landmark, Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Other awards given during the annual awarding ceremony are the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award, 1st Year CROWN Maintenance Award, 2nd Year CROWN Maintenance Award and the Nutrition Honor Award for outstanding nutrition program implementation by local government units.

To know more about the BNS Program click here.

(Daniel G. Salunga)