The 3,300 strong membership association of Barangay Nutrition Scholars in Bicol Region will hold their annual conference here in Legazpi City, on 29, August 2013 at the Albay Astrodome. BNSs, as they are popularly known, “serves” as the backbone in combating malnutrition at the community level. Thus the event is dubbed “BNS Empowerment Towards Community Action Against Malnutrition.”

Said event will be attended by 1,000 delegates and representatives coming from the 6 provinces of the Bicol region, in an annual gathering that seeks to enhance their knowledge and skills in promoting appropriate nutrition interventions at the community level. Despite recent economic development of the country, malnutrition remains one of the major problems besetting both the countryside and urban areas of the country, especially Bicol Region.

Ms. Erlinda B. Nollora, the current President of the Bicol Region BNS Association, Inc. (BRBNSA, Inc.) hails from Barangay Hanawan, Ocampo, Camarines Sur. She has been serving as a BNS for 28 years now, one of the longest serving BNS in the region. President Nollora also seats as a member of the board of director of the National BNS Federation, Inc. The BRBNSA,Inc. started consolidating themselves 3 years ago, through series of meetings, capacity building and seminars. Annually, BNSs across the country are being recognized by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) with their exemplary performance through the Search for City, Provincial, Regional and National Outstanding BNS. NNC also recognizes long serving BNS for their loyalty and continuous service.

“We are very thankful for the support being extended to us by the National Nutrition Council. If not for them, our efforts would not have been recognized, and we would not have the courage to band ourselves and strengthen our resolve to pursue the advocacy and volunteer work to address malnutrition, in the Bicol Region.”