The province of South Cotabato held a three-day Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) Program Implementation Review and Congress on October 19-21, 2022, at Susan's Beach Resort in Maasim, Sarangani Province. The congress was attended by all BNSs of 10 municipalities in the province and Koronadal City.

The three-day event was jam-packed with various activities both technical sessions, social activities, and physical and spiritual nourishment for the Barangay Nutrition Scholars. The said activity is also an avenue to recognize and appreciate their contribution to the province in efficiently implementing nutrition programs and combating the progression of malnutrition and to give them a moment of respite. Without their selfless effort and altruism, the nutrition program at the barangay level would be infeasible and ineffective, according to the perspective of the province.

Retsebeth M. Laquihon, RND, MPD, MDM, the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of National Nutrition Council XII, graced the aforementioned events and provide an update on BNS Programs, PPAN 2023-2028, and the eligibility and TESDA certification they can obtain.

Rudy S. Jimenea, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer commends the BNSs and presents certificates and cash awards to the retirees, as well as the most outstanding municipal nutrition action officer and nutrition program coordinator. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Ms. Sonia L. Bautista, RSW, MPA, was also present during the said event.

In addition to the activities, the distinguished local IP researcher from T'boli and Lake Sebu delivered a lecture on the preparation of herbal medicine. The lecture focuses on the significance of herbal medicine in the context of scientific and synthetic medicine trends. This enhances the knowledge of the BNSs on basic first aid and natural remedies through herbal plants readily available in the community.

(FMM/AMF/RML)