Thirty-one (31) participants composed of local nutrition program coordinators, midwives, nurses and selected barangay nutrition scholars from eleven (11) local government units (LGUs) completed the five-day Training of Trainers on the Basic Course for Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) conducted by the National Nutrition Council-NCR on August 24-28 at Makati Palace Hotel, Makati City.

The training was facilitated by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa V. Federizo, Ms. Soccoro Alma C. Gammad (Nutrition Officer IV of Makati City), Ms. Marie Tess C. Belo (Nutritionist-Dietitian III of Mandaluyong City), Ms. Eileen Mercedita S. Guevara (Nutritionist-Dietitian II of Marikina City), Ms. Emerenciana L. Francia and Ms. Theresa A. Rivas, Nutrition Officers III and II of NNC-NCR, respectively.

The training aimed at capacitating the participants to become trainers and mentors of their BNSs.   They were also taught facilitation techniques that will enhance their ability to organize, facilitate, and conduct the Training on the Basic Course for BNSs in their respective LGUs.  The Basic Course Training for BNSs aims to equip the BNSs with the basic knowledge and skills and develop in them the core values and desirable traits that will enable them to do their tasks efficiently and effectively.  

“The BNSs are barangay-based nutrition workers who provide basic nutrition and nutrition-related services and serve as the link between the service providers and the community. They are vital human resource for the nutrition program. It is therefore necessary that the BNSs be given opportunities for learning so that they can perform better and stay motivated in their work.  This is where the BNS trainers come in, they should be able to identify the training needs of the BNSs and provide them with proper training, mentoring and supervision, “   said NPC Federizo. (TAR/MEVF/NNCNCR)