In support on the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) program, the National Nutrition Council Region III held its Training of Trainers on the Basic Course for the Barangay Nutrition Scholars last October 21-25, 2013 at the Prime Asia Hotel, Angeles City. The activity seeks not just to describe the nutrition program management at the barangay level but also to point out the importance of BNSs in the framework of nutrition program management. Through the training, participants will be able to direct and supervise BNSs in their respective area for they are one of the significant people in the promotion of good nutrition.

The training were attended by the different District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators, Provincial/ City/ Municipal Nutrition Action Officers, Nutritionist-Dieticians, Nutrition Officers and other technical staff assigned to train the BNSes in each area. Ms. Maria - Kareena Dumpit, City Nutrition Program Coordinator of City of San Fernando, Ms. Ana Bella Laborera, District Nutrition Program Coordinator of Nueva Ecija Province and Ms. Rose Anne Cuyco, Nutrition officer II of NNC Region III were the resource persons (RP’s) and have facilitated the said activity.

Ms. Angelita M. Pasos, Nutrition Officer III of Region III gave a simple message that being the trainer-supervisor of the BNSes, the participants need to empower their BNSes to become proud of their voluntary yet significant rolls employed some learning such as in the barangay nutrition program and in their community. She also thanked the participants for giving their persons time and sharing their experiences in the implementation of BNS program in their respective areas. She posed a challenge to those who still have more work to do in order to realize the BNS Program in their municipalities.

The participants enjoyed the 5-day training where they employed some learning methods such as lecture-discussions, role-playing and games. The RP’s taught them not just the basic and comprehensive principles of the BNS program but also made them realize the important roles of their BNSs, that the trainers need to boost their BNSes morale and impart sense of fulfillment, that their work has a great impact in promoting good nutrition. The RP’s /facilitators stressed that the participants being the chosen trainers of this activity, they need to motivate their BNSs as dedicated nutrition advocates in their community.