The annual search for Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (ROBNS) for the evaluation period Calendar Year 2017 is conducted by National Nutrition Council- Caraga together with the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) headed by Ms. Melinda Lagua from DILG. The first wave of the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (ROBNS) evaluation started on April 4, 2018.It aims to measure the performance of the BNS and recognize those with exemplary performance in the delivery of basic nutrition and nutrition-related services in her barangay which contributed to the improvement of the nutritional status of its constituents.

The mechanics of the evaluation shall consist of desk review of Barangay Nutrition Documents and validation of 0-59 months nutritional status through weighing of children to determine the changes in their weight that leads to the improvement of their nutritional status specifically of underweight children. The RNET is also looking forward for the assessment of skills of BNS in coordinating the Barangay Nutrition Program to various sectors at the grassroots level, efficiency in the delivery of nutrition services, initiatives in resource generation activities, innovativeness, nutrition assessment, maintenance of updated records and timeliness of submission of nutrition reports, among others. Monitoring and Evaluation on Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) was also conducted to assess the efficiency and effectiveness in the management of nutrition programs anchored on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022. Feedbacking was held to advocate for the support on the nutrition program and PPAN among the members of the barangay nutrition committee. The RNET had already visited the OBNS contenders from Talacogon Agusan del Sur, Baan Km3, Butuan City, Bayugan City, Barangay Zone-II Lanuza, Surigao del Sur and Bangong-Lungsod Tandag City. OBNS from Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Province of Dinagat Island and Cabadbaran City are still to be evaluated. They will also undergo a written examination in Butuan City through a prescribed BNS questionnaire from NNC-Central Office which will be administered by the evaluators.

Author: Karlyn Rose B. Panes, RND