Bindoy, Negros Oriental – The Municipal Nutrition Committee of this coastal town in Negros oriental trained their newly-hired Barangay Nutrition Scholars. All 23 frontline nutrition workers underwent a 3-day training on the Basic Course for BNS. The training team was composed of ND DNPC Antonieta Delfino of Negros province, and ND II Chutsvieka May Pacatang of DOH CV CHD/NNC 7.
MHO/MNAO Dr. Estela Tuse gave her welcome message on the 1st day. She said, “With the challenges faced last year, I am very grateful that the Basic Course Training is finally happening, and we already have a new set of BNS this time. Right after Dr. Tuse’s message, the training session commenced. The legal mandate and rationale of the BNS Program, recruitment, selection and hiring of BNS as well as its benefits, skills needed, roles, & functions of the BNS, and understanding of food and nutrition concepts were discussed.
A role-playing activity was also done to practice the new learned skills of BNSs and they got to know their colleagues. The BNSs were also taught on how to conduct weight and height measurements and compute the age in months. Before the day ended, the BNSs were given the assignment to practice computing the age in months and using the CGS growth charts.
On the 2nd day, the BNSs reported their answers on the assignments given. They were also taught how to illustrate a problem tree and prepare a spot map. Forms such as the family profile, BNS Action Plan, and barangay situation analysis were discussed. The BNSs also held an election of BNS officers before the day’s session ended.
Formulation of Barangay Nutrition Action Plan, filling out of OPT forms and demonstration/return demonstration on nutrition assessment using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes were tackled on the last day.
The training ended with a closing program and distribution of certificates of completion for the participants and certificates of appreciation and tokens to the speakers and resource persons. The closing program was graced by PNAO Dr. Liland Zoila Estacion, MNAO Dr. Tuse and MNPC Angel Mae Moral who gave their respective messages. The training was capped with a distribution of alcohol and face masks to the nutrition workers. // ND II Jhianne Mae Nicole C. Tugaoen, RND
