Basay, Negros Oriental – The dedicated Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) of Basay like in other areas in Central Visayas starts their annual Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus every January of each year as they start the OPT season. The first quarter of the year is considered the busiest time of the year of the BNSs. During this period, they together with the other members of the OPT Team measure the height and weight of all 0 – 59 months old children in their assigned barangays, conduct nutrition education and counseling, do household visits, and validate and re-validate the data before submission to the Municipal Health/Nutrition Office.

Proudly wearing their t-shirts with the label “Barangay Nutrition Scholars” so they can be easily recognized in the community, they room around the barangays to perform this one function they are most known of. The frontline nutrition workers of Basay are frequently reminded to ensure the collection of quality data especially since the municipality ranked top in the prevalence of malnutrition in the entire province. This year, the Municipal Nutrition Committee aims to cover at least 85% of all 0-59 months old children. 

Even with the meager honorarium they received, this does not deter them to perform their duties as volunteer nutrition workers because of their undying service to the people of the community. For them, being a BNS is a noble career that requires passion, courage, patience, understanding, and a heart filled with love for the job. Indeed, they are our Nutrition Heroes in the community! //ND II Jhianne Me Nicole C. Tugaoen, RND