The Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Program is a human resource development strategy of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022, which involves the recruitment, training, deployment, and supervision of volunteer workers for nutrition or barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) to strengthen the barangay nutrition program. The Local Government Unit of Alabel in partnership with the NNC XII conducted a three-day locally funded Basic Course Training for Barangay Nutrition Scholars last November 16-18, 2021 held at LGU Alabel Gymnasium and Brgy. Ladol Gymnasium on the third day. The said activity was attended by a total of 28 BNSs.
The three-day BNS training is part of strengthening the management support of LGU Alabel to its BNSs especially the newly appointed ones. The said training aims to orient the BNSs on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition and their roles, functions, and deliverables as a barangay nutrition scholar in the achievement of PPAN targets. The training also aims to enhance their skills which are essential in coordinating nutrition activities at the barangay level, monitoring the nutritional status of children, and reporting reliable nutrition data in their respective barangays effectively and efficiently.
Nutrition Officer I, Ms. Ruby Ann M. Laurito, and Provincial Nutrition Focal Point of Sarangani Province, Ms. Katty T. Parreno of NNC XII served as resource persons in the discussion of PPAN 2017-2022; BNS Program; BNS roles and functions; BNS in assessing the barangay nutrition situation; preparing problem tree and spot map; writing mission, vision, goals, and objectives; anthropometric measurements; computation of age in months; BNS forms; EOPT Plus tool, formulation of BNAP, BNS updates on the benefits from BNS Federation (Regional and National); and the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Program Implementation (MELLPI) Pro tool.
The BNSs were eager to learn and these were evident through their active participation during the training. Empowered BNS with equipped knowledge and skills on nutrition and nutrition program is instrumental in assisting the Barangay Nutrition Committee towards combating the different forms of malnutrition for the improvement of the nutrition situation in their community. (NOILaurito/NOIIIFlores/RNPCLaquihon)
