The LUPangIlocos Barangay Nutrition Scholars Federation Incorporated celebrates its 10th year anniversary of progress and success of its foundation since 2011.
With the assistance of National Nutrition Council Regional Office-I, the LUPangIlocos BNS Fed., Inc. held the 10th Regional Barangay Nutrition Scholars’ (BNS) Congress cum Webinar Series “A decade full of challenges and progress” on September to October 2020 with the theme: “LUPangIlocos BNSs: Nagkakaisa Upang Sugpuin ang mga Banta ng COVID-19 sa Nutrisyon!”
Annually, the Regional BNS Congress and General Assembly is conducted to give opportunity among its members to be updated on nutrition and enhance their knowledge, skills, and capabilities in performing their basic tasks as nutrition front liners. In addition, this serves as a venue to update its members with the plans and activities of the regional federation being the SEC registered organization of BNSs in the region.
But this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the activity is conducted virtually through an online congress cum webinar series in compliance to health protocols, as mass gathering is strongly discouraged to prevent the spread of the virus. Hence, the conduct of series of lectures online was the most feasible platform to not disrupt the daily functions of the BNSs considering that they are also part of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team for COVID-19.
The webinar series started on September 18, 2020 at 1:30 in the afternoon with a tribute to all BNSs of Region 1. This was followed by the discussion of two topics namely: Breastfeeding and COVID-19 by Ms. Jovita Leny Calaguas, Nutritionist-Dietitian IV of and Beat Depression during pandemic: Stress Management and Coping with Anxiety Caused by COVID-19 by Dr. Magnolia Brabante, Medical Officer IV of DOH CHD I. These subjects guided the BNSs in the promotion of breastfeeding even during pandemic, and also helped them on how to cope with depression caused by the pandemic. The said session was moderated by Mr. Darwin Tumbaga, BNS of Pinili, Ilocos Norte.
The next series was conducted on September 25, 2020. Topics include the Roles of BNS for Stunting Reduction by Ms. Helen Joy A. Bugaling, Provincial Nutrition Coordinator, ECCD-F1K and Nutrition Assessment and Promotion during Emergencies by Ms. Christie P. Ferino, Nutrition Officer II of NNC-ROI. This session aided the participants in their urgent but effective response during emergencies. This session was led by Ms. Sharon Tablada, BNS of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
On the last series held on October 9, 2020, Ms. Anne Hazel Flores, Information Officer II of PIA-1, shared her expertise on BNSs as Online Nutrition Advocates: The Do’s and Don’ts in Social Media. This topic helped the BNSs on how to use social media effectively. This session was facilitated by Ms. Gianne Laynedl Bolante, Administrative Aide VI of NNC-ROI. The general assembly and culminating activity were also held on the last day. Followed by awarding of certificates to winners of the 2020 NutriJingle Video Contest and “The Nutrition Heroes’ Journey” Vlogging Contest.
The said event aims to update and capacitate the BNSs in their roles and responsibilities in performing their tasks in their locality./CPF
