Cebu City – The Barangay Nutrition Scholars in Central Visayas met on November 7, 2012 to celebrate their charter. Born on November 7, 2004, the Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars Association in Region VII, Incorporated (FeBaNuSA 7, Inc.) commemorate its 8thyear of existence thru a Congress themed “Strength in Unity: Reaching Nutrition Heights Together”.
This year’s congress, co-sponsored by the Provincial Government of Cebu was held at Summit Circle Cebu near the famous FuenteOsmeña Circle. Close to 700 BNSs regionwide attended the event. Some of the guests included Barangay Captains, Councilors & Chairpersons, Committee on Health, a mayor, MNAOs and D/CNPCs.
Serving as the Keynote Speaker was Hon. Risa Q. Hontiveros, Chairperson of AkbayanPartylist who elaborated on the theme and the role BNSs play in improving the nutritional well-being of the Filipino children, who are the hope of the future. Congressman Pablo John F. Garcia of the 3rd District of Cebu Province in his opening remarks vowed to support the BNS and committed to continue the nutrition efforts of the province. Congresswoman Cynthia A. Villar of the Lone District of Las Piñas wasn’t able to join the event. Her representative, Ms. Myra LymGilig delivered her inspirational message. Other personalities in attendance were Cebu Provincial Health Officer and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Cristina B. Giango.
Technical Updates included: the Update on House Bill No. 2889: Magna Carta of the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) given by Dr. Ephraim M. Rubiano, Secretary – General of AGHAM Partylist in behalf of AGHAM Partylist Representative Hon. Angelo B. Palmones. Mr. Cristitoto L. Mangadlao, High Value Crop Technician of the Department of Agriculture Region VII talked about “Food Security at the Household Level, What BNS can do” which reiterated the role of BNSs in information dissemination and urging households to have their own garden and Ms. Susan Y. Orpilla, Nutrition Officer III of the National Nutrition Council 7, talked about “The Nutrition Situation in the Region and the Role of BNS”, in which she talked about the prevalence of malnutrition of the different cities and provinces in the region and the actions BNSs can do to contribute in reducing the malnutrition prevalence in their respective barangays.
This annual convergence of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars in the Region aims to address the technical needs of the BNS so as they could better perform their functions. // DFB
