Dumaguete City - Hon. Roel R. Degamo, Governor of Negros Oriental committed Php 1,000,000.00 Philippine currency for the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and the BNS Provincial Association of Negros Oriental. The pledge came about after the Degamo attended the 7th Central Visayas Regional BNS Congress held on 07-08 November 2011 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center & Silliman University, Dumaguete City. The Governor vowed his support to provide assistance to BNSs in his province for their livelihood projects, capability building activities and to strengthen the Negros Oriental BNS Provincial Federation.
The recently concluded Congress gathered 1,022 Barangay Nutrition Scholars region-wide. They were also joined in by some Barangay Captains who sits as chair of the Barangay Nutrition Committee, members of the local nutrition committees, Nutrition Action Officers and D/CNPCs. Even the mayor of San Remegio, Cebu, Hon. Jay L. Olivar, personally attended the BNS Congress.
Congresswoman Jocelyn S. Limkaichong, 1st District Representative of Negros Oriental gave the Keynote Address and elaborated on the theme “Developing the Capacities of BNS to Overcome Challenges”. She also emphasized that BNS represents the Best in Filipinos. She praised and encouraged them for their work and shared her efforts in the House of Congress to protect and provide benefits for the BNSs. Other personalities in attendance were Hon. Manuel Sagarbarria, Mayor of Dumaguete City andDr. Ben S. Malayang III, President of Silliman University.
Technical updates highlighted the 2-day annual gathering of front line nutrition workers. Ms. Michelle A. Naranjo, RND, MPH, Faculty of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department of Silliman University discussed the topic “How Safe is Your Food”. “Managing a Barangay Nutrition Program” was elaborated upon by Hon. Albert C. Aquino, President, ABC of Dumaguete City and Brgy. Captain of Brgy. Bantayan and “Community Health Team and the Role of BNS’ was shared by Dr. Maria Socorro M. Entera, Medical Specialist III Local Health Support Division MCH of the DOH – CHD 7.
Another major highlight of the event was the Mutya ng BNS 2011. This yearly tradition is done to showcase the wit and talent of the BNS candidates representing the different cities and provinces of Central Visayas. Garbed in their ethnic outfits representing their assigned tribes, the candidates showed-off the desirable traits or qualities such as patience, hardwork, respect, etc. expected of BNSs in their production number. The winner and crowned as Mutya ng BNS this year was from
Dumaguete City, Ms. Analou Marimat. 1st Runner Up was from Danao City, Ms. Hazel Almaden and 2nd Runner Up was Ma. Eva Baydal of Canlaon City. Minor awards were also given. Best in Production Number and Best in Talent was awarded to Ms. Analou A. Marimat of Dumaguete City. Darling of the Crowd was Ms. Cristina Suemith of Cebu Province, Best in Gown was Ms. Hazel Almaden of Danao City and Ms. Photogenic was Ms. Ma. Eva Baydal of Canlaon City.
The second day of the congress was held in Silliman University (SU) where the delegates had Morning Exercises and Expressive Arts assisted by Dumaguete City BNS Association, Sunrise Service officiated by Rev. Jeremiah Lagahit of SU Chaplaincy, BNS Interaction with ND Students facilitated by SU-Nutrition & Dietetics Student Body and Campus Tour with SU Campus Ambassadors where they also learned the rich history of Silliman University.
The event was co-sponsored by the City of Dumaguete and Silliman University. The participants’ commented that it was well-organized, very enriching and complete/balanced affair with technical input, social component, spiritual and historical dimension.Overall, the 7th BNS Congress was a great success! From the sheer number of participants, to the topics of the talks and to the great enjoyment of the BNSs as evidenced by their smiles.
