The National Nutrition Council Region 02 (NNC R-02) spearheaded a five-day training on Basic Course for Barangay Nutrition Scholars of the coastal areas: Maconacon, Divilacan, Dinapigue and Palanan and the municipality of Quezon, Mallig and Sto. Tomas at Japi Traveller’s Hotel Cauayan City, Isabela last August 22- 26 and a locally funded training which is ongoing in Santiago City, Isabela this August 29- September 2.

In attendance were 67 participants: 30 BNSs attended in Cauayan City and 37 BNSs from Santiago City.

The training course aims to improve the capabilities and core competencies of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars in order to perform their roles and functions.

A combination of training methods such as lecture, group discussion, exercise, role playing and games will be used to enhance the learning of the participants.

Ms. Ma Gisela Lonzaga, Nutrition Officer III of NNC R02 with the invited resource speakers: Ms. Henedina Cabrera, Nutritionist Dietician III of PHO Isabela, Ms. Luningning Rhodes, Nutrition Officer IV of PHO Quirino, Ms. Tina Ramilloza, Nutrition Officer I of Nutrition Office Diffun, Quirino, Ms. Rosario Ablaza, City Nutrition Program Coordinator of Santiago City, Ms. Myla Felisa Sacmar, Nurse, Ms. Nancy Castro, Nutrition Officer II of Nueva Vizcaya were the trainers/facilitators in the said training.

Ms. Rhodora Maestre, Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC R02 inspired the participants with her salutation for their sacrifices and voluntary services. Likewise, she gave lectures on the First 1000 days of a child’s life and encouraged the BNSs to prioritize pregnant women, children 0-2 years old and lactating mothers for nutrition and health workers.