In efforts to support the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) in their role as front liners in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato provided family food packs, together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 12, and hazard pays to all BNSs in the province.

South Cotabato Nutrition Officers (NOs) Angela Frugalidad and Liza Enamno, and Chief Administrative Officer III Earl Rey Madres processed and facilitated the distribution to all 359 BNSs of the province in 11 local government units (LGUs), including the component city, Koronadal. Two sets of family food packs for each BNS were provided during August of 2020 and hazard pays were released last October 2020. One sack of rice was also given to the Municipal Nutrition Office of each LGU serving as food allowance during emergency responses.

The BNSs served as front liners in the midst of community quarantine to aid in the increasing need of healthcare manpower. They worked in profiling all households in their respective barangays for South Cotabato COVID-19 Contact Tracing System (SC-CCTS) serving its purpose in checkpoints and other establishments. BNSs also participated in monitoring individuals in quarantine facilities and residences.

The Provincial Government of South Cotabato also conducted other initiatives for COVID-19 response including food demonstration on the preparation of complementary foods with inputs on health protocol, and training on remote psychosocial first aid for nutrition program implementers of the province in response to the alarming increase of suicide incidents during pandemic and community lockdowns. (PNC Nadela/OIC NPC Flores)