Tacurong City Mayor Angelo O. Montilla has approved the upgrading to Job Order status of 5 Barangay Nutrition Scholars and 5 Barangay Health Workers. Mr. Rogelio C. Garcia, the City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO) earlier made the recommendation which was agreed by Dr. Giovanni Deles, the City Health Officer. Ten most qualified candidates from each of the groups were interviewed by a panel composed of CNAO, CHO, HRMO and representative of the Mayor.

Depending on the financial status of the city, the mayor plans to increase the number every semester. All BNS and BHWs of the city undergo continuous training programs to uplift their knowledge and capabilities. All the 20 barangays of Tacurong have formulated Barangay Nutrition Action Plan (BNAP), with the Zuellig Family Foundation, assisted by Region Xll National Nutrition Council.

Hence, the LGU has recognized the BNS’ vital role by promoting their welfare as partners of the government in the delivery of basic nutrition and health services to the grassroots.

As such, as members of Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT), BNSs and BHWs are also playing an active and significant role during this Covid-19 crisis.

NNC hopes that this initiative can provide inspiration and motivation to shepherd several LGUs for replication, as BNS are important keyplayers in nutrition and achieving PPAN. (Rogelio Garcia, CNAO of Tacurong/DPAurel/AMFlores/NPC)