The Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) are frontliners who deliver nutrition and nutrition-related services to their barangays. They mobilize the community for nutrition action, build linkage with service providers, and champion nutrition in their respective areas. However, due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, their scope of work doubled as most of them also serve as members of Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT).
Among their many tasks, the BNSs also play an important role in ensuring that the package of programs and services during the First 1000 Days (F1K) are made available and accessible in the barangay to prevent stunting.
As part of this year’s Nutrition Month Celebration with the theme, “Batang Pinoy, SANA TALL… Iwas stunting, SAMA ALL! Iwas ALL din sa COVID-19!”, the National Nutrition Council – NCR conducted the #SanaTall BNS Diaries Vlog Contest to highlight the efforts of BNSs in delivering quality F1K services amid COVID-19 pandemic.
The vlog contest replaced the usual Music Video Contest for BNSs to adapt to the changing times due to the pandemic. It also aimed to encourage and empower BNSs as they continue to deliver F1K services in their communities. The contest was opened to all BNSs in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The BNSs were enjoined to produce a unique three to five-minute vlog that revolved around these two questions: (1) SANA TALL – As a Barangay Nutrition Scholar, what do you do to prevent stunting in the community and how do you ensure that you are still carrying out your tasks amid the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) SAMA ALL – How do you mobilize your community and other stakeholders to prevent stunting especially in the time of COVID-19?
A total of thirteen (13) entries were received during the contest period and these were judged on July 21, 2020 via Zoom. Ms. Alaine Allanigue (Information Officer II, Philippine Information Agency – NCR), Ms. Jo Sebastian (Nutritionist-Dietitian and Vlogger), and Ms. Jomay Tongol (Nutrition Officer III, National Nutrition Council) composed the board of judges. The entries were judged based on the following criteria:
- Relevance to the NM Theme – 40%
- Clarity and Communication of Message – 25%
- Creative Concept and Technical Execution – 25%
- Entertainment Quality (Audience Engagement) – 10%
- Total – 100%
BNS Angel Anne S. Ambas of Muntinlupa City was adjudged as the Grand Prize Winner while BNS Alice C. Tanabe of Muntinlupa City and BNS Emily N. Umali of Parańaque City were the first and second runner up winners, respectively.
Winners were awarded with certificate of recognition during the virtual Regional Nutrition Month Awarding Ceremony held on July 30, 2020 via Zoom and shown via FB live at the National Nutrition Council – NCR Facebook Page on July 31, 2020. All winners will receive cash prizes. All contest participants will be given Certificate of Participation.
The winning vlog entries can also be viewed at the National Nutrition Council – NCR Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/nnc.ncr).
(TAR/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)
