Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) of NCR, Inc. in partnership with the National Nutrition Council at the National Capital Region (NNC-NCR) conducted the Annual BNS Regional Conference with the theme, “BNSs: Partners in Scaling Up Nutrition” on November 21, 2014 at the Heritage Ballroom of the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.
This is the third regional conference of the BNS Federation that was conducted with minimal assistance from the NNC-NCR, a proof of the Federation’s increasing capability of taking on the tasks of mounting a grand event. The yearly regional conference is an event looked forward to by the BNSs of Metro Manila as it allows them to gain new learning and insights as well as to meet other fellow BNSs from different local government units in the region.
Around 300 BNSs attended this year’s conference. Five (5) interesting topics were discussed by very competent resource speakers namely, Ms. Dianne Kristine P. Cornejo of the National Nutrition Council Nutrition Policy and Planning Division (The BNSs in Scaling Up Nutrition); Dr. Corazon VC. Barba, Senior Nutrition Consultant of the UN World Food Programme (The Role of BNSs in the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition); Dr. Corazon T. Salinas, Maternal Newborn Child Health and Medical Nutrition Program Coordinator of Makati City (Maternal Health and Nutrition: Teenage Pregnancy and Infant and Young Child Feeding); Mr. Alberto C. Tablan, Barangay Nutrition Action Officer of Brgy. Mabini J. Rizal, Mandaluyong City (Generating and Mobilizing Resources for Nutrition); and Motivational Speaker Pastor Larry D. Macabante of Grace City Church (Checklist for Barangay Nutrition Scholars).
City Nutrition Action Officer of Pasay City, Dr. Cesar F. Encinares, gave the welcome remarks. The new Regional Director of the Department of Health – NCR and Chair of the Regional Nutrition Committee, Dr. Ariel I. Valencia gave an inspirational message, urging the BNSs to take on their roles in making nutrition a priority in the region.
Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa V. Federizo in her opening remarks expressed her thanks and appreciation to everyone who attended the event. She hoped that the BNSs will find the one-day conference an enriching learning experience as they discover how they can scale up nutrition action in their communities.
This year’s conference was a success gauging from the positive feedback of the participants and guests. The participants went home happy, filled with learning and with renewed passion and commitment to become better Barangay Nutrition Scholars. (TAR/MEVF/NNCNCR)
