Butuan City- Maria Elisa B. Mata, a 49-year-old BNS, is one of the contenders in this year's Search for the Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar in Caraga Region.

On 2 September 2022, the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) visited BNS Mata at Barangay Tiniwisan for an interview, desk assessment, and document validation.

BNS Mata has been appointed since year 2000 and has received various awards and made various livelihood projects (water lily slippers, fabric softeners, and banana chips). All proceeds from these projects were shared 10 % with pregnant and lactating mothers and 10% for young malnourished children in the barangay.

With the help of the Barangay Nutrition Committee through its Chairperson, Hon. Alma Tagalog, the nurses, barangay health workers (BHWs), Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs) and BNC members, she was able to do her best to serve the barangay.

In her 22 years of service, BNS Mata documented every house-to-house visit reaching the lactating and pregnant mothers, monitored and advocated for backyard gardening, advocated for exclusive breastfeeding practices, and environmental sanitation.

In 2021, with the effort of the barangay and the contribution of BNS Mata, Barangay Tiniwisan received the cleanest barangay in Butuan City and was awarded a malnourished free barangay.

BNS Mata is trained in Community Immersion Program for Basic Internal Security Operation Course (BISOC) and was awarded City Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar in previous years.

BNS Mata remarked during her interview that the role of a BNS is what your heart desires, what your mind dictates is what you act. #HJSalada/NASLabordo