Bacolod City, Negros Occidental - “Nalipay ko nga nakatambong ko sa National BNS Conference kay didto akong nahibaw-an ug napaminaw unsa ka importante nga naay BNS sa barangay ug akong nahibaw-an unsa pa gyud ang trabaho sa usa ka BNS”. (I am happy that I attended the National BNS Conference because it is through these that I learned more about being a barangay nutrition scholar) Ms. Lucia C. Arellano, made this statement in the aftermath of the second National Conference of Barangay Nutrition Scholars held last November 28 to 29, 2012 at the L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City.
Underscoring the roles of barangay nutrition scholars, the conference carried the theme "Bida ng Barangay, Bida ng Bayan."
The conference discussed updates on the National Nutrition Situation and Why is height measurement important for nutrition assessment by Dr. Jocelyn Jugan of FNRI – DOST; The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2011 – 2016 by Ms. Marivic Samson of NNC; What can the BNS do when there is severe acute malnutrition by Mr. Omar Sinsuat of Health for Mindanao; Salt Iodization and Nutrition by Mr. Gerard Khong Hun, of Salinas Foods; Achieving the balance between love, life and being a BNS by Mr. Teofilo Loharca; Documentation Skills by Ms. Jovita Raval of NNC.
2011 National Outstanding BNS, Ms. Lina Guerrero of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay shared her Good Practices as a BNS. Also discussed were matters of the National BNS Federation presented by the BNS National Federation President, Ms. Jocelyn A. Lumaad.
Each year, barangay nutrition scholars convene for updates, professional development, address various concerns of the federation and strengthen camaraderie among nutrition scholars. // DFB
