An active and functional Barangay Nutrition Committee (BNC) is vital in ensuring that nutrition and nutrition-related services are delivered to target beneficiaries at the grassroots level. The Pasig City Nutrition Committee (CNC) and the BNCs work hand in hand in improving the nutritional status of children and their families. All the thirty (30) barangays in Pasig have functional BNCs. Each BNC formulates their Barangay Nutrition Action Plan (BNAP) yearly, allocates funds for the BNAP implementation, conducts regular meetings at least once every quarter presided by the Barangay Captain/Chairperson as Chair, and passes barangay ordinances or resolutions in support of nutrition. The city nutritionist-dietitians provide the BNCs technical guidance and also initiate the formulation of BNAP together with the BNS after a careful assessment of the barangay’s nutrition situation.

To ensure that the barangay nutrition program will be funded by the barangay council, the BNAP is integrated into Annual Barangay Development and Investment Plan, Barangay Child Development Plan and the Gender and Development (GAD) Plan.

Nutrition became a priority concern of the barangay councils in Pasig City through the continuous advocacy efforts of the city nutritionist-dietitians, Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) and members of the CNC. The BNCs are always updated on the current nutrition situation in Pasig City and reports of accomplishments are regularly submitted to the BNC Chair for his appropriate actions. The sustained functionality and active BNCs resulted to the implementation of various barangay-funded nutrition programs and projects such as supplementary feeding programs, establishment of breastfeeding stations and community vegetables gardens, among others. The BNCs also provide allowance/honorarium to their respective BNSs.

Through the years, the BNCs have become invaluable partners of the Pasig City Nutrition Committee in its continuing efforts to reduce malnutrition and achieve its goal of having healthy and well-nourished Pasigueños.

Pasig City was awarded as the Best LGU in Barangay Nutrition Program Management during the 2016 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony.

Written by: Ms. Marissa C. Almario, Nutrition Officer III, Pasig City
Ms. Almario is a member of the Regional Nutrition Speakers' Bureau and City/District Nutrition Program Coordinators of Metro Manila Association, Inc.