CITY OF ILAGAN, ISABELA---------- Around 2,000 members of Cagayan Valley Barangay Nutrition Scholars Fed. Inc., attended the first ever virtual regional congress in partnership with National Nutrition Council Region 2 via zoom earlier this month.

Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) have been in the frontline in the delivery of nutrition services since the start of the community quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 may negatively impact the health and nutrition of Filipinos especially the most vulnerable groups such as pregnant and lactating women, infants and young children, and other vulnerable groups.

Thus, the BNSs have significant roles in ensuring the health and nutrition of the people in the community. It is important that they are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to address nutrition problems that may arise in their community due to the pandemic.

Day 1 of the virtual conference started with welcome remarks delivered by BNS Hilda Arellano, President-CVBNSF Inc., to warmly welcome the 2,000 BNS present during the virtual conference.

“We, your officers and board members in coordination with the National Nutrition Council Region 2 agreed to hold this Regional BNS conference to enhance our knowledge and skills and be updated on the current nutrition and program developments in addressing malnutrition in Cagayan Valley in the new normal. Our learnings from this conference will enhance our capabilities in the delivery of nutrition services in the new normal,” stressed by President Arellano.

Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang, Assistant Secretary of Health and ED NNC, delivered her inspirational message followed by an opening remarks by RNPC Maria Gisela Lonzaga.

Day 1 loaded with sessions about nutrition in the new normal. Mr. John Nestor Ballad, Nutrition Officer II, shared the impact of COVID-19 to regional nutrition situation while Mr. Edzell Arcinue, Nutrition Officer III, discussed the nutrition services and strategies in the new normal.

NO II Lalaine Carlos, NNC-NPPD, discussed the duties and responsibilities of BNSs during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Dr. Kathreen Joson, Head, Guidance Services - ISU, who shared about the mental health topic.

Day 2 of the virtual conference focused about strengthening nutrition programs and CVBNSF Inc., and General Assembly.

Dr. Mianne Silvestre, President of Kalusugan ng Mag-Ina Inc.  discussed about IYCF Counselling and Breastfeeding Promotion amid COVID-19 while RNPC Lonzaga gave brief overview of the barangay nutrition devolution and Ms. Jovy Miguel, chief resource specialist examination services division-CSC R02 presented the requirements for Civil Service BNS Eligibility.

The Activity ended with a treasurer and president’s report and an AVP showcasing the heroic actions of BNSs.

The activity aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of BNSs and update them on the current nutrition and program developments in addressing malnutrition in Cagayan Valley during the time of pandemic.### John Nestor Ballad