26 April 2016—The Provincial League of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) in Ilocos Sur in coordination with the Provincial Nutrition Office and Provincial Government held its Provincial BNS Congress at Baluarte Zoo Park, Vigan City with the Theme: “First 1000 Days ni baby pahalagahan para sa malusog na kinabukasan!” which is adopted from the 2016 Nutrition Month. This was attended by more than 500 BNSs coming from the 32 municipalities of the province.

The congress is an annual activity of the BNS Provincial League of Ilocos Sur to give health and nutrition updates to all Barangay Nutrition Scholars in the whole province. Likewise, the event serves as an avenue to hold its General Assembly.

Mr. Kendall Gatan and Ms. Nancy Paclos of NNC- Regional Office I served as resource speakers on Automated OPT Plus Tool and First 1000 Days of Life, respectively.

Ms. Paclos emphasized in her presentation that the first 1000 days of life which starts from day one (1) of a woman’s pregnancy and up to the child’s second birthday is a unique window of opportunity to give the right start of life, especially on the physical and mental development.

Mr. Gatan also presented the automated OPT Plus tool which will ensure efficiency, accuracy and timely submission of the Operation Timbang Plus results that is being used by the local and national government and external partners as basis in executing nutrition actions.

The search for the “Mutya ng BNS” highlighted the event where Ms. Geniveve Sanchez of Barangay Quirino, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur was crowned as the 2016 Ms. BNS- Ilocos Sur.