COTABATO CITY—The Local Government Unit of Cotabato City conducted a three-day Basic Course Training for Barangay Nutrition Scholars on July 17-19, 2019 at D&M Catering Services, Cotabato City. The activity was attended by a total of 39 BNSs under the supervision of their City Nutrition Program Coordinator Ms. Bailinang Abas.
The activity aimed to capacitate their BNSs to provide them basic knowledge and skills that are necessary for them to effectively and efficiently perform their roles and functions.
According to their CNPC, city health office takes initiative to embark a step in addressing malnutrition issues especially in their city. It was known that Cotabato City ranked 1st in all malnutrition indicators (Stunting, wasting, underweight/severely underweight, obesity) based on 2018 Operation Timbang result.
NNC XII, attended by NPC Latonio and NOs II Aurel and Utlang, was also requested to serve as Resource persons in discussing the PPAN 2017-2022, BNS Program, Roles and Functions of a BNS, BNS Forms, Benefits from BNS Federation (Regional and National), e-OPT, as well as enhancing their skills in formulating causal model/problem tree and spot map. NNC also emphasized how important it is to organize and mobilize their Barangay Nutrition Committee to properly implement the Nutrition Program.
Other topics discussed at the course of the activity was facilitated by the DOH Deployed Nutritionist-Dietitian, Ms. Kathy Magarse, scoping the proper height and weight taking as well as the computation of a child’s age in months.
BNSs on the otherhand were very thankful on the knowledge and learnings they have acquired out from the activity as those had truly enlightened them that which offered a venue to clarify various concerns in the implementation of the nutrition program in their respective barangays.
NPC Latonio gave the closing message accentuating that the roles of Barangay Nutrition Scholars are significant and vital being the grassroots in delivering basic health and nutrition services in order to improve the nutrition situation. (Aurel,DP)
