10 September 2013 – the Pre-pageant Event for the 1st ever Search for Ms. Calabarzon BNS 2013 was held at the Ynares Hall, Provincial Capitol in Antipolo City.

The pageant had two (2) categories namely: the category A for BNSs aged 20 to 39 and; category B for BNS aged 40 to 60. A total of 18 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) from various municipalities and cities in the region competed for the special awards such as “Best in Casual Wear”, “Best in Sports Wear”, “Best in Long Gown” and “Best in Talent”. The candidates ramped with their casual wear, sportswear and long gown and showcased their talent through dancing, singing and acting.

The awards committee of the BNS Congress composed mainly of the Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) on Nutrition served as the judges which included: Ms. Gualberta C. Florendo (Regional Rural Improvement Clubs); Ms. Precilla S. Escalante (DSWD); Ms. Josephine Santos (PopCom); Ms. Bezaleel Soltura (DILG); Ms. Dianne G. Sadorra (Kabisig ng Kalahi); Dra. Saniata Milagros Sumangil (National Commission for Indigenous People); Ms. Gloria Arenillo (NFA); and Mr. Red C. Alano, Vice-President of the Communicators’ Network for Nutrition in Region IV-A (CNN-4A).

Results of the pre-pageant will comprise 60% of the total score of the competition while the remaining 40% will be determined during the question and answer portion which will be held on the Congress proper.

The Ms. BNS competition is being held by the Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars of Region IV-A (FBNS IV-A) to foster camaraderie among BNSs, boost their morale, and showcase their talents. It is hoped that with this competition, the high morale will eventually translate to a more vigorous fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities in promoting good nutrition.

Who will be crowned as the 1st ever Ms. Calabarzon BNS 2013? This we will find out on the 1st Regional BNS Congress on 18 October 2013 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.