The Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) of NCR, Inc. will focus this year’s regional conference on the BNSs’ roles in the implementation of the Early Childhood Care and Development on the First 1000 Days (ECCD-F1K) Program.
The BNSs are community-based nutrition workers who provide basic nutrition and nutrition-related services and serve as the link between the service providers and the community. In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, the BNSs ensure the continuous delivery of nutrition services to the priority groups with focus on the First 1000 Days.
The first 1000 days of life, from pregnancy until the child’s second birthday is the period wherein good nutrition must be given to mother and child to ensure the child’s proper growth and development. The ECCD, on the other hand, refers to the full range of health, nutrition, early education and social services development programs that provide for the basic holistic needs of young children from age (0) to four (4) years to promote optimum growth and development. In 2018, the NNC together with partner agencies developed the ECCD-F1K Program to strengthen all existing interventions related to ECCD. The conference will tackle the importance of the ECCD-F1K and the roles and responsibilities of the BNSs in coordination and delivery of services in line with the program.
The conference will also include topics on the roles of BNSs in the implementation of Republic Act 11148 or “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay” Act, sharing of good practices in line with the First 1000 Days and messages of Nutrition Champions.
The Federation, with funding support and technical assistance from the National Nutrition Council – NCR annually conducts its Conference to enhance capability of the BNSs who are considered as frontline nutrition workers in the field. In compliance with the safety protocols and minimum health standards, this year’s conference will still be held virtually on November 26, 2021.
Written by:
NOII Theresa A. Rivas and
NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo
