Bantayan, Cebu – The Municipal Nutrition Committee of Bantayan, Cebu capacitated their Barangay Nutrition Scholars, the frontline nutrition through the conduct of BNS Basic Course training. The activity was held on Jule 06-08, 2022 at the LGU Conference Hall, Bantayan, Cebu. A total of 26 BNSs were able to attend the training.

The MNC believes that BNSs need to be capacitated as they play a vital role in coordinating the nutrition program in the barangay. Through the training, the nutrition workers being the secretariat of the Barangay Nutrition Committee (BNC) were equipped with the proper knowledge they need in managing the nutrition program together and with the guidance and leadership of their respective BNC Chairpersons.

It has been 2 years since all the training, orientations, or any gatherings in the municipality have been stopped due to the strict protocols brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the easing of restrictions, the 2-day training pushed through.

Said capacity development activity was facilitated by the municipal nutrition team headed by Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinator Ms. Marjorie Mata, Administrative Aide, and Ms. Senealda Filosopo. Mr. Teresito M. Caayaman III, Nutritionist-Dietitian II of DOH CV- CHD served as resource person.  MSWDO and MNAO designate Ms. Josephine C. Belotindos also graced the event. In her message during the closing program, she acknowledged the contributions of BNSs in reducing malnutrition in their barangay. She further opined that the knowledge and skills of the BNSs is one of the important factors in making the Barangay Nutrition Committee so the members can work together in eradicating malnutrition in the barangay. According to her, these barangay-based volunteer workers are one of the critical human resources that could contribute to the improvement of the barangay nutrition situation and to the achievement of the goals of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition. // ND II Teresito M. Caayaman III, RND