The Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) of NCR, Inc. held its 36th Annual Regional Conference with the theme, “BNS: Bahagi ng solusyon sa new normal na solusyon!” on November 25, 2022 via Zoom and livestreamed via the National Nutrition Council – NCR (NNC-NCR) Facebook Page.

The Federation in cooperation with NNC-NCR annually conducts the regional conference to enhance capability of their BNS members who are frontline workers in the field. For this year, the conference was conducted to enhance the BNSs’ knowledge and appreciation of their roles and functions in ensuring good nutrition in the new normal. It was attended by around 1,000 BNSs from the 17 local government units in Metro Manila.

There were three (3) topics discussed as part of the technical session. NNC-NCR Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa Federizo discussed the roles of BNSs in the PPAN and how to improve the implementation and delivery of nutrition services in the new normal and in the implementation of the new PPAN for 2023-2028. Dr. Marivic Samson, Officer-in-Charge of the Nutrition Policy and Planning Division of NNC presented the Dietary Supplementation Guidelines in the First 1000 Days. NNC-Nutrition Information and Education Division Chief Jovita Raval, on the other hand, enlightened participants on the importance of nutrition advocacy and shared effective advocacy strategies that the BNS can do to scale up nutrition actions in their area.

BNSs Daisy Parido (Mandaluyong City), Imelda Sison (Malabon City) and Jiazmin Cagoyong (Pasig City) shared the programs, projects and activities done in their respective barangays that contributed to the improvement of nutrition resilience of their locality in the new normal. Hon. Elizabeth Cruz, Barangay Chairperson of New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City served as their motivational speaker and helped the BNSs in realizing their important role in achieving nutrition improvement in their barangays. There were also some singing, dancing and other activities conducted as part of her talk to help the participants rekindle their passion and purpose in their work as BNSs amidst the challenges brought by the pandemic.

Federation matters were also discussed. President Mary Grace Tamayo presented the accomplishments of the Federation for 2022 while Treasurer Rossana Jacinto provided updates on the financial status of the Federation. The incoming Officers and Board Members were also presented during the conference. Lastly, DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs, Hon. Felicito A. Valmocina delivered the keynote message on behalf of DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr.

Indeed, the BNSs have an important role in achieving nutrition improvement and nutrition resilience in the new normal. They have an important role in shaping the country’s future by ensuring good nutrition especially among children because the children are the future.

Kaya sana ay patuloy tayong magtulong tulong para makamit natin ang nutrisyong sapat, para sa lahat. – RNPC Federizo

Written by: DMO II Theresa A. Rivas and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo