Ms. Sonnia Tabocol, BNS, Quintong, San Carlos City - As a Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS), She has seen how the community has struggled with nutritional challenges primarily brought about by poor nutritional habits and choices among parents. Parents, often with a soft heart, would give in to the desires and requests of their children for unhealthy food. In other cases, it is the parent or guardian’s decision to give fast food, sweets, and other unhealthy options as a reward for good grades, deeds, or behavior.

Another issue on the nutritional problems of their barangay is the presence of poverty. Most of the time, the healthier options are more expensive than unhealthy ones and the parents have no choice but to buy the cheaper or more practical food options even though the nutritional value is lower. With the support of their Punong Barangay, they are working on reducing poverty for years to come so that families can afford to eat healthy while we continue our functions and nutrition-related programs and activities. 

Because of the enormous challenge they have, there were times that she felt unsure and unmotivated with her tasks as a volunteer for nutrition. Eventually, as she devoted more time and patience to serving her community, she began to see changes and improvements, such as a reduced number of malnourished children in the barangay. Thus, it became clearer in her mind to serve her kabarangayan with utmost perseverance.

As a BNS of seven (7) years, she has realized that the key to establishing a meaningful relationship with the community is to gain their trust and confidence. In doing so, it became easier for them to heed her advice and suggestions on nutrition.

She would like to thank her mentors, Dr. Luisa F. Cayabyab, for inspiring, supporting her so dearly, and always reminding us to do our duties and functions with passion and dedication, and to her BNS Coordinator, for encouraging her and having a helping hand. She will always be very grateful to all of you.