Canlaon City – “It is our privilege to host the 10th Regional Barangay Nutrition Scholars’ (BNS) Congress and we will do our best to change the status of the BNSs from being volunteers to having a Job Order status!” words by Canlaon City Mayor Jimmy Jayme L. Clerigo in his inspirational message during the 10th Regional BNS Congress last 06 – 07 November 2013 held at the Canlaon Cultural and Sports Center, Canlaon City. A total of 1,086 delegates joined the two (2) day congress coming from the different cities and municipalities of Central Visayas.
With this year’s theme “Panahon sa kalamidad, BNS andam sa pag-alagad”(In time of calamity, a BNS is ready to serve”), the congress focused on nutrition in emergencies-related topics that would help the attendees be prepared when calamities and emergencies would happen. The Keynote Address was given by Representative Leah S. Paquiz of Ang Nars Party List, who also elaborated on the roles of BNSs during disasters. She also stressed that BNSs should be given ample benefits as they are the frontline workers for nutrition.
The Congress also discussed the following topics: Disaster Preparedness by Mr. Remo G. Magsico, OIC, CSWDO & CDRRMC, Canlaon City; Responsibilities of a BNS during Emergencies by Ms. Lourdes A. Taburaza, CNAO of Dumaguete City, Ensuring Food and Rice Security during Emergencies and during Normal Times by Dr. Fabio G. Enriquez, OIC, Operations Division & Rice Program Coordinator; and Sustainable Living by Hon. Nestor L. Archival, Cebu City Councilor, North District.
One of the highlights of the Congress was the recognition and awarding of cash assistance to long-serving BNSs who have been in service for at least 25 years and BNSs affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). The 10 Kumainments was also launched during the said congress by NNC 7 Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. Parolita A. Mission and Canlaon City Mayor, Hon. Hon. Jimmy Jayme L. Clerigo.
The annual event was organized by the Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars Association of Region VII, Inc. (FeBaNuSA 7, Inc.) with the support from the National Nutrition Council Region VII. The objectives of the Congress were to: update BNSs on the current developments along nutrition and related policies and programs; 2) enhance the knowledge, skills and attitudes of frontline nutrition workers to improve their performance; and 3) provide a venue for the members of the FeBaNuSA 7, Inc. to convene into a general assembly to discuss various concerns of the association. FeBaNuSA 7, Inc. is the regional association of BNSs of Region VII duly registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission since 2008.
Overall, the congress proved to be an avenue for the BNS to learn more and be equipped on updates with regards to the nutrition program.//dfb
