Legazpi City. The Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) are community nutrition volunteers who provide nutrition services to our families. This group of volunteers were organized by the National Nutrition Council per Presidential Decree No. 1569 (1979) which mandated the deployment of at least one (1) BNS in every barangay in the country. The BNSs are task to monitor the nutritional status of children and other nutritionally at-risk groups and link them with nutrition and nutrition-related service providers. PD 1569 also mandated the NNC to administer the program in cooperation with local government units.
The Bicol Region BNS Association, Inc. (BRBNSA, Inc.) was organized in 2013 through the federation of the nutrition volunteers per LGU. The Officers of BRBNSA, Inc. formulated their own Constitution and By-Laws to promote nutrition and uphold the BNS program with support and services being provided to members.
The recent typhoons that hit the region devastated many homes in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur and Albay provinces. In recent meetings of the BRBNSA, Inc., the group agreed to support the members of the association in these areas whose homes were totally or partially damaged by the typhoons. After validating all documents, the BRBNSA, Inc. released a total amount of Php 415,457.00 to 670 BNSs gravely affected by TY Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses. The funds provided for this purpose was taken from the Emergency Fund of the Association earmarked for such situations.
In Bicol, based on latest list, there are 4,090 BNSs in 3,471 barangays. As a member of the association, each BNS pay a onetime membership fee and minimal annual dues. Through the annual BNS Regional Conference where updates on nutrition program management was provided, BNSs are able to learn new knowledge on caring the malnourished, strategies to strengthen linkage-building and mobilizing the community. Indeed, the BRBNSA, Inc. action in assisting its members in this trying time, even with modest financial assistance, was given with love and care for its members. Expressions of appreciation was in turn received from the BNSs assisted in the 3 provinces.
(MCV, ARR, NNC RO V)
