“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)” says Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano in his keynote speech at the 26th Annual City/District Nutrition Program Coordinator and Barangay Nutrition Scholars’ Convention held at the Ambassador Hall of the Manila Grand Opera Hotel in Sta. Cruz, Manila. The convention is an annual event where C/DNPCs and BNSs from all over Metro Manila gather together to learn new knowledge to enhance their capabilities and to enjoy each other’s company.

Senator Cayetano encouraged the more than 400 C/DNPCs and BNSs from all over Metro Manila who attended the convention to “Never say never”, be optimistic and believe that there is hope for our country to prosper. And the key to prosperity is having good health and nutrition. The theme of the convention, “CDNPCs and BNSs: Partners in Improving Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition” emphasizes the important role of C/DNPCs and BNSs in improving the nutrition situation in the communities. After his keynote speech, he inducted into office the officers and board members of the Federation of BNSs of NCR, Inc. and C/DNPCs of Metro Manila Association, Inc. for CY 2012-2014.

Another important guest during the convention is Honorable Angelo B. Palmones, Sectoral Representative of AGHAM Party list. He is the author of House Bill No. 2889, “Strengthening the Barangay Nutrition Scholar Program”. In his speech, he encouraged the BNSs and nutritionists to continue providing quality nutrition services to the families in the communities that they serve. They can do much in improving the health and nutrition of communities.

Relevant nutrition topics discussed at the convention were (a) Role of NDs and BNSs in Strengthening Nutrition in MNCHN discussed by Dr. Reinhard Dalumpines; (b) Improving Nutrition through Growth Monitoring and Promotion discussed by Ms. Luz See; (c) Breastfeeding in Various Settings: RA 10028 and its IRR discussed by Ms. Vicenta Borja and (d) Agimat: Power to Serve and Survive discussed by Fr. Teodulo Gonzales. Participants were given opportunities to ask questions during the interactive sessions.

The convention was applied for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) units from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Hence, nutritionist-dietitians who attended the convention will earn CPE units. Mrs. Azucena B. Limbo, PRC representative, was present at the convention to observe its proceedings.

There were exhibit booths of companies and sponsors that provided freebies to the participants. Cash and gift items given by sponsors and donors were raffled off to the participants making the event not only a good learning experience for them but an exciting and happy occasion as well.

For more photos of the convention, please visit our facebook page National Nutrition Council-NCR (www.facebook.com/nnc.ncr)