30 July 2013, Mandaluyong City - Metro Manila Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) proved that they are not just ordinary community nutrition workers. They can sing, dance, entertain and educate people through music. Last July 30, 2013, BNSs from the cities of Taguig, Valenzuela, Marikina, Makati, San Juan, Las Piñas, Manila, and Mandaluyong and the municipality of Pateros competed in the “Himig at Indak para sa Wastong Nutrisyon”, a Nutri-Jingle Singing Contest conducted by the National Nutrition Council-NCR as part of the 39th Nutrition Month celebration. The competition was held at Kaban ng Hiyas in Mandaluyong City.
Each group of BNSs composed of not more than 10 members gave their best shot as they performed and interpreted the NM theme, “Gutom at malnutrisyon, sama-sama nating wakasan!” through their nutri-jingle. Ms. Alona Estanilla-Teo of the NNC Nutrition Surveillance Division, Mr. Roman Miguel Javier and Mr. Richmond Montilla, both taking up Bachelor of Music in UP Diliman-College of Music and members of internationally acclaimed choir, composed the Board of Judges.
The BNSs from the cities of Las Piñas, Mandaluyong and Manila got the highest scores earning them a plaque and cash prize which they will receive at the 2013 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony slated on August 29, 2013 at Manila Hotel. Las Piñas City won First Prize with their original jingle composition entitled “Sama-sama”. The Second Prize went to Mandaluyong City who performed “Wakasan- Gutom at Malnutrisyon” while the City of Manila won Third Prize with their jingle, “Kalusugan Pagtulungan”.
The jingle compositions of the nine (9) groups of BNSs that participated in the competition will be recorded and compiled in a CD by the Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars in NCR, Inc. to serve as an advocacy tool in ending hunger and malnutrition. The BNSs of Metro Manila have once again proven their commitment to make a difference in promoting good nutrition in various ways.