Baguio City - The Province of Ilocos Norte in close coordination with the National Nutrition Council- Regional Office I and LUPangIlocos Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) Federation, Inc. successfully hosted this year’s 7th Regional BNS Congress with the theme: ““LUPANG ILOCOS BNSs: Itaguyod ang Healthy Diet sa Pamayanan, Upang Wastong Nutrisyon ay Makamtan!” held on September 11, 2017 at the Baguio Convention Center. This annual event was attended by around 1,200 BNSs coming from the Provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan. A record breaking in the number of attendees.
Mr. Danilo P. Posion, BNS of Aruin, Tagaytay City and 2015 National Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar graced the event and served as the crowning guest of honor and keynote speaker. In his message, he inspired his co-BNSs on his journey towards being a nutrition champion.
“A good volunteer must be patient and effective. Given the limited resources in our respective barangays, we must be creative and resourceful. Tap every opportunity and conquer all the challenges we encountered,” he added.
Also, Mayor Mauricio Domogan of Baguio City warmly welcomed the participants and highly recognized the concerted efforts of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars not only in giving nutrition services but for the improvement of the quality of life of the people.
Moreover, Assistant Regional Director Edwin Sanchez gave his inspirational message in behalf of Director Myrna Cabotaje of DOH-Regional Office I. He acknowledged the great contribution of the nutrition volunteers in the attainment of set nutrition goals and enforced their full participation in the Philippine Health Agenda. He assured that DOH-ROI will always support the BNSs in all their endeavors.
The Search for the Mutya ng BNS 2017 highlighted the event. There were four candidates coming from the four provinces of Region I who joined this popularity contest. BNS Nancy B. Marcos of Sudipen, La Union was crowned as the 2017 Mutya ng BNS in Region I while Ms. Widna Galuardo of Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur, Ms. Vilma Garalde of Pinili, Ilocos Norte and Ms. Linda Dizon of Alaminos City, Pangasinan were adjudged as first, second and third runner-up, repectively.
Technical sessions followed after the coronation. Different resource speakers were invited to share their expertise in their respective fields. Topics discussed include: Good Practices of Baguio City in the Implementation of BNSP by Dr. Rowena Galpo, CHO and CNAO of Baguio City who was represented by Ms. Angelita Sabado; Sharing of Good Practice of BNS-Ayusan Norte by Honorable Ignacio Tadeo, Punong Barangay of Ayusan Norte, Vigan City; The BNSs in the operationalization of PPAN 2017-2022 by Ms. Ma. Eileen Blanco, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC-ROI and Overview of the e-OPT Plus by Mr. Kendall Gatan of NNC-ROI.
Furthermore, the general assembly was held where Regional President Nory Estoesta and Regional Treasurer Josephine Ganuelas presented the president’s report and treasurer’s report, respectively. The general assembly also served as venue to discuss the concerns and obligations of the organization.
This momentous event of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars aimed to update their knowledge with additional information and improved their skills necessary to their roles and responsibilities in executing health and nutrition specific programs in the community. MVQDC/KPAG
