One thousand six (1,006) Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) swore their Panunumpa ng BNS during the 2018 Central Luzon Regional Conference of BNSs held on 8-9 November 2018 at the Forum Halls of The Orchid Gardens, Lazatin Boulevard, Barangay San Juan, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. Isang pagkilala at pagpupugay sa mga Bida ng programa sa nutrisyon, with the theme “BNS: Bayani, Noon, Ngayon at Bukas”.
This is the 4th convention after the three successful series of national conferences of the National Nutrition Council held in 2010, 2015 and 2016.
Delegates were from seven (7) provinces, namely Aurora (57); Bataan (56), Bulacan (152), Nueva Ecija (145), Pampanga (92); Tarlac (120) and Zambales (82) and 14 cities, namely Angeles (20), Balanga (26), Cabanatuan (14) Gapan (20) Mabalacat (66) Malolos (15) Meycauayan (30) Olongapo (15), Palayan (20) San Fernando (34), San Jose (18), San Jose Del Monte (9), Science City of Munoz (15) and Tarlac (5).
Other guests who came to celebrate the 40 years of existence of the Barangay Nutrition Program were the 33 members of the Association of Central Luzon District and City Nutrition Program Coordinators (ACL-DCNPCs) District, members of the regional nutrition technical working group (RNTWG), Salinas Food Incorporated and NNC-Region III secretariat.
The event magnified the support extended by the local chief executives from seven (7) provinces, 14 cities, 116 municipalities and about 3,000 barangays in Central Luzon by way of logistics and financial assistance to their BNSs.
Topics discussed during the regional conference ranged from the highly technical policy document (but was presented and explained in very detailed and simplified manner) such as the Updated Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2017-2022 by OIC-NPC Ana Maria B. Rosaldo of NNC-Region III to the most participated lectures such as the Most Frequently Asked Questions by Mr. Paul Macanas of DOH CL-CHD, Action Plans for the PPAN of the Barangays by Nutrition Officer (NO) II Rose Anne M. Cuyco; Strengthening the BNS Federations and Results of the BNS Program Review and the Amendments/Proposed 2018 BNSP Guidelines by NO III Angelita M. Pasos; Personality Development by Ms. Kristianne Joy B. Flores-Sombillo of the Learning with Joy Moments and Beyond agency; interactive session on the BNS’ Good Practices by Ms. Rosita Gagabi (2015 Regional Outstanding BNS from San Jose City) and Ms. Thelma Esteban (2016 and 2017 ROBNS from Talavera, Nueva Ecija); and the most energizing and invigorating Zumba dance exercises led by Mr. Rommel O. Isip of the Bureau of Customs, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga and Ms. Eliamarie Aquino and Mr. Isabelo Valeza of Salinas, Inc.
The general assembly meeting of Central Luzon Association of the BNSs, Incorporated or CLABI paved the way for the CLABI President Filipina A. Delos Reyes to present the association’s accomplishment report and for PRO Beatriz Fajardo to present the financial report and draft resolutions for approval of the body.
The most momentous highlight of the 2-day event was the BNS’ Talent Showdown which showcased the hidden but creative talents of the BNSs in dancing, singing and acting. Pampanga Province bagged the grand prize of Php15,000.00 cash; Bulacan Province was 1st runner-up and received Php10,000 cash prize; and Nueva Ecija was 2nd runner-up and received Php7,000.00 cash prize. Two non-winning contestants were given Php1,500.00 each as consolation prize. The board of judges were composed colleagues from the Bureau of Customs, Department of Public Works and Highways, Commission on Human Rights and DOH-Central Luzon Center for Health Development.
The thrill and excitement during the conference was complemented by the raffle prizes drawn in between breaks, courtesy of the generous members of Regional Nutrition Committee and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Rowena Tiongson of the Province of Bulacan and City Nutrition Action Officer Socorro Lorena of Mabalacat City. Raflle prizes drawn were sack of rice, appliances, t-shirts, bags, umbrellas, grocery items, cash, among others.
The regional conference was made possible through the collaborative efforts of NNC, RNC, RNTWG, CLABI Board, ACL-DCNPCs, LGUs, and private organizations and individuals.
Again, the regional conference was a venue that truly made the Central Luzon BNSs, revitalized, energized, rebounded simula ngayon, bukas at magpakailanman!
Authors:
NO III Angelita M. Pasos
OIC-NPC Ana Maria B. Rosaldo
