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for webpageTo foster Barangay Nutrition Scholars’ heroism the National Nutrition Council Region 10 in cooperation with the Northern Mindanao Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars spearheaded the 2018 BNS Regional Conference last September 19-20, 2018.

Anchored on gallant theme: “BNS Bayani ng Nutrisyon: Noon, Ngayon at Bukas” the 4th Regional BNS Conference gathered a record-breaking 1,700 participating barangay nutrition scholars representing five (5) provinces and nine (9) cities in Northern Mindanao.

The conference marked the 40th year since the promulgation of PD 1569– the law establishing the BNS program in the country.

This year the conference is hosted by the local government unit of Valencia City, Bukidnon. Valencia has been reputedly recognized as model LGU in the field of nutrition, a fitting host of the conference enabling participants to benchmark good nutrition practices.

The conference is primarily geared towards prompting BNSs in the region to take active roles in the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022.

In the two-day gathering participants are given in-depth lectures and interactive presentations to advance their knowledge and skills in planning and implementing vital nutrition programs as well as monitoring nutrition intervention effectiveness they mobilized in their respective areas of assignment.

The BNSs are reminded of proper weight and height measurement techniques, proper nutrition assessment, good nutrition practices and are taught personality development strategies. More significantly, the BNS are kept abreast with the updated implementing rules and guidelines of the BNS program specifically the policies on travelling allowance and medical and survivorship assistance grants.

According to NNC-X OIC-Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae Fernandez forum like this is of great help to the BNSs in the region.

“Holding a forum like this for BNSs will update and equip them with knowledge and skills to sustain effective and efficient nutrition program management at the barangay level. This is also the venue to plan and strengthen the overall operation of the organization from local to regional level” said Fernandez.

Highlighting the 2018 Regional BNS Conference is the BNS Talent Showdown - a talent competition for BNS to stage their best grooves and costumes. Proving they are well-rounded nutrition champions are BNSs from Malaybalay, Ozamis and Oroquieta Cities. Malaybalay City bagged the first place award this year. Ozamis and Oroquieta Cities are first and second runners up respectively. All winners won cash prizes.

Other lucky BNSs took home appliance showcase, souvenir items and cash prizes in a raffle draw sponsored by Salinas Food Corp., Valencia City CENRO and CMU-BIDANI.

Valencia City hosted invigorating cultural night to cap the conference’s opening day. Participants are charmed by entertaining cultural dances and enthralling song numbers featuring home-grown local talents of the City of Golden Harvest.

Flordeliza S. Gonzales the BNS Regional Federation President and Dorothy P. Felipe the Federation Treasurer presented the organization’s accomplishment and financial reports during the conference. Members are informed of the federation’s past and future activities and financial status, emphasizing the federation’s SEC-registration.

The 4th Regional BNS Conference formally ended as participating BNS renewed their vows in a ceremony called “Panunumpa ng BNS”. The unsung nutrition heroes sang a solidarity song “If We Hold on Together” to mark their continued commitment and dedication to better the nutrition situation in Northern Mindanao.

Learning visit to Valencia City’s nutrition projects sites is slated as the post-conference activity.

“NNC X and the regional federation officers are hopeful that this conference will be held annually and all BNSs will participate and discuss ways or actions in improving nutrition situation at their level to contribute in achieving the PPAN 2017-2022 targets” said OIC- NPC Gladys Mae Fernandez expressing high hopes for the continued implementation of the Regional BNS Conference in the years to come. (Azbie T. Talib – SunStar CDO)

Photo credits to LGU Valencia City