Cebu City--Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) are essential human resource for nutrition who are deployed in the community to deliver nutrition and other related services. Their participation is important to the implementation of the program to achieve the target of the Philippine Plan of Action for nutrition (PPAN).
The Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars Association of Region VII (FeBaNuSA 7, Inc) was organized on 07 November 2004 and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission a year after. The regional federation was formed to promote unity and linkages among BNS associations in the region; strengthen camaraderie among BNSs; Strengthen the competence of members through capacity building activities; uphold the rights and responsibilities of BNSs; and create a venue for economic and social upliftment of the members. Since then, the National Nutrition Council Region VII together with the FeBaNuSA 7, Inc. conducts the regional congress every year.
This year, the FeBaNuSA 7, Inc. celebrates its 17th year of foundation with the theme “Go, BNS! Walay gikahadlokan, pandemya giatubang, saktong nutrisyon panghingosgan!”. This year’s theme highlights the fearlessness of BNSs as they face the challenges of COVID-19 and strengthen the nutrition program implementation amidst the threat of the pandemic. The objectives of the activity is to gather all BNSs regionwide to upgrade their knowledge and skills on the techniques of referral system on Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition, filling out of forms and other common forms maintained by BNSs and to gain basic knowledge on basic computer application.
The 17th Regional Congress of BNSs was conducted on 05 November 2021 and streamed live thru the National Nutrition Council 7 Facebook page. It was attended by 1,308 BNSs from different provinces and cities in the region. The activity consisted of technical discussions from invited guest speakers, talents and learnings of our frontline nutrition workers were also showcased through intermission numbers presented, quizzes and a raffle with prizes.
We are hoping to see more of our BNSs participating next year and anticipating celebrating their birthdate physically and not virtually. Thank you to all our Barangay Nutrition Scholars who attended and see you again next year. // ND II Suzette M. Salado, RND
