6 December 2022, Cagayan de Oro City – National Barangay Nutrition Scholars Federation Inc. - Northern Mindanao Chapter in coordination with the National Nutrition Council X convened its 7th Regional BNS Conference last 10-11 November 2022 held at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Gymnasium, Iligan City. This is the first face-to-face conference since 2019.
More than 2,000 BNSs attended the conference together with their Barangay Officials, City and Municipal Nutrition Action Officers and District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators.
The conference marks the 44th year since the signing of Presidential Decree 1569 and with the theme: “Barangay Nutrition Scholars: Aktibo at patuloy sa walang kupas na serbisyo!”. This is to celebrate the commitment, hard work and selfless service of the BNSs.
NaBNS Fed., Inc. NorMin Chapter President Ms. Flordeliza S. Gonzales welcomed all BNS delegates who attended the conference. Afterwards, the host city through Vice Mayor Marianito Alemania and Executive Assistant II Jasmin Alorro of Iligan City welcomed all of the participants on behalf of City Mayor Frederick W. Siao.
The activity was divided into two parts: Technical Session (Sessions 1-3) and BNS Talent Showdown.
Session 1 talked about the Presidential Decree 1569: Strengthening the Barangay Nutrition Program by the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of the NNC Region X, Ms. Gladys Mae S. Fernandez, RND, MDM. She discussed salient points of PD 1596, as well as the proposed amendments and current developments on the efforts to promote the welfare of BNSs.
Second session shared the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute food technologies ready for Transfer and Commercialization by Ms. Gerrylou Sweet M. Pia – Science Research Specialist II, DOST X – Lanao del Norte on “Science for the People, DOST Food Technologies”.
Followed by Ms. Lou Ellen L. Antonio, Information Center Manager of the Philippine Information Agency 10 – Iligan City and Lanao del Norte who explained the importance of good communication skills. Ms. Antonio further provided tips on how the BNSs can advocate the nutrition cause to specific populations.
During the last session, 2019 Regional Outstanding City Nutrition Program Coordinator Sherill Faith P. Española of Cagayan de Oro City encouraged the BNSs that they have the ability to influence others and able to make important decisions that contribute to the nutrition improvement of the barangay.
Included in the program was the recognition of the exemplary performance of the Provincial and City Outstanding BNSs who contended for the Search for Regional Outstanding BNS: 1) BNS Glecy T. Singsing of Malaybalay City; 2) BNS Era S. Flores of Valencia City; 3) BNS Marina A. Mangubat of Brgy. Kiara, Don Carlos, Bukidnon and; 4) BNS Jinny C. Oco of El Salvador City.
Part II of the program was the BNS Talent Showdown which was composed of 1) Mutya ng BNS, and 2) Modern Dance Contest.
Malaybalay City candidate was hailed as the winner of Mutya ng BNS, who also garnered the Darling of the Crowd and Best in Long Gown awards. 1st Runner-Up was Cagayan de Oro City, 2nd Runner-up from Bukidnon Province who likewise received Ms. Catwalk, 3rd Runner-up from Valencia City, while Misamis Occidental Province got the 4th Runner-up and Best in Talent awards. Minor awards were also awarded to Ozamiz City candidate as Best in Production Number and Best in Jeans Attire, while Choreographer's Choice Award from Misamis Oriental Province. Cash prize for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Placers were ₱5,000.00, ₱3,000.00 and ₱2,000.00 respectively. Finalists received ₱1,000.00 as consolation.
For the Modern Dance Contest, Lanao del Norte Province was hailed as the 1st Placer, followed by Cagayan de Oro City in 2nd Place and Province of Misamis Oriental in 3rd place. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Placers received cash prize of ₱10,000.00, ₱7,000.00, and ₱5,000.00, respectively, while finalists received a consolation prize of ₱2,000.00.
The regional BNS federation together with the NNC regional office are committed to continuously update and empower BNSs towards addressing malnutrition and ending hunger, and enhance their skills to improve their performance. (Project Development Officer I Vazamija Therese A. Villasi/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ 09631090198)
