Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro – To address the challenging problem of malnutrition among children in the municipality of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, the municipality in partnership with NNC MIMAROPA conducted the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Basic Course Training last 17-20 January 2023 with 17 participants. NNC MIMAROPA staff PEO I Nichole Loyola, PDO I Lorelie Millares, and PDOHO representative ND II Ma. Johnna Ver S. Valencia served as resource speakers during the 4-day activity.
During the opening program, NPC Ma. Eileen B. Blanco presented the nutrition situation at the regional and national level and emphasized the importance of generating accurate OPT Plus results. Provincial Health Office, Officer-in-Charge Dr. Cielo Angela Ante and Municipal Health Officer Dr. Dennis Pacho committed to work hand-in-hand with NNC MIMAROPA in strategizing scheme to combat malnutrition in the province of Oriental Mindoro. BNSs were recognized for their invaluable dedication to deliver health and nutrition programs to the most vulnerable groups.
A total of six (6) modules were discussed: The Barangay Nutrition Scholars Program, Basic Concepts of Food and Nutrition, Developing Skills of the BNS, Situating the Barangay Nutrition Program Management in the Local Development System, The BNS in Action, and The Synthesis. To assess the knowledge of participants, pre- and post-tests and return demonstration activities have been facilitated in between sessions.
As Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus is vital in assessing the overall nutrition situation of LGU and nutrition program management, actual demonstration on measuring anthropometric measurements such as weight, length/height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were concentrated along with manual computation of age in months, and use of Child Growth Standards (CGS).
Further, one of the basic functions of BNSs is report writing. Thus, participants were assisted in formulating the Barangay Nutrition Action Plan (BNAP), minutes of the meeting, activity documentation report, quarterly accomplishment report, nutrition situation analysis, spot map, and BNS Diary. To conclude, results of the posttest showed significant improvement compared to the pretest results. MNAO Aisa Cristalino and BNS President Jorelyn Gonzales highlighted that the training was timely in improving the knowledge and skills of BNSs.
NNC MIMAROPA hopes that through this technical assistance, Barangay Nutrition Scholars of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro will be more capacitated and confident in measuring the weight, length/height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of all 0 to 59 months old children in their respective barangays to generate more accurate and precise OPT Plus Results.
Written by: PEO I Nichole Loyola
