The National Nutrition Council – NCR (NNC-NCR) organized the Metro Manila Association of Barangay Nutrition Action Officers (BNAO) during its first meeting held on February 10, 2023 at St. Giles Hotel, Makati City.

The Association is composed of the BNAO Presidents of the 17 LGUs in NCR except for the cities of Marikina, Manila, and Quezon City. These three (3) LGUs are still in the process of designating their BNAOs and organizing their local BNAO Association.

Together with the barangay nutrition scholar, the BNAO provides technical assistance to their barangay nutrition committee and coordinates the overall implementation and management of the nutrition program in the barangays. In NCR, there are a total of 388 BNAOs to date.

During the meeting, the Metro Manila Association of BNAOs was formally organized with the following set of Officers and Board Members for 2023-2025:

President: Ms. Maria Gerlyn A. Lagleva (Mandaluyong City)
Vice President: Ms. Gina C. Garduque (Taguig City)
Secretary: Ms. Joms F. Eugenio (Parañaque City)
Treasuer: Mr. Alvin P. Limbauan (Pasig City)
Auditor: Mr. Edwin A. Paz (Makati City)
PRO: Ms. Virginia C. Acuña (Valenzuela City)

Board Members:
Mr. Reymond Ronquillo (Caloocan City)
Mr. Paolo Jay D. Cruz (Malabon City)
Mr. Paolo Angelo A. Mesina (Navotas City)
Ms. Lina G. Lodronio (Municipality of Pateros)
Ms. Rosalie V. Reyes (San Juan City)
Ms. Elicar S. Lacson (Pasay City)
Mr. Bernardo B. Abarsoza Jr. (Las Piñas City)
Ms. Jonalyn E. De Borja (Muntinlupa City)

Discussed during the meeting were the NNC Coordinating Structure, the functions of a BNAO and their role in the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition.

In her message, NNC-NCR Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa V. Federizo congratulated the new set of officers of the Metro Manila Association of BNAOs which is the first federated group of BNAOs in the whole country. She hopes that the group will be able to conduct activities that will benefit their co-BNAOs and contribute to the reduction of malnutrition in the region.

Moving forward, President Lagleva will sit as a member of the ANAO-NCR to represent the BNAOs. The group will also hold at least two (2) meetings within the year to plan for their activities.

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