PALO, Leyte – More than 2,000 front liners nutrition advocates, well known as Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs), around Eastern Visayas region gathered at the Leyte Academic Center (LAC) on 10-11 October 2018 for the 4th Regional Conference of Barangay Nutrition Scholars, flying the theme: “BNS: Bayani ng Nutrisyon, Noon, Ngayon at Bukas!”

Initiated by the Eastern Visayas Association of Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Incorporated (EVA-BNS, Inc.) through its officers headed by President Lydia Nuñez, in coordination with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region VIII—through the leadership of Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Dr. Catalino P. Dotollo Jr., the two-day event that sought to level-up the status of nutrition workers at the grassroots staged several events--from updates in the nutrition sector to personal development of the BNSs.

Leyte Gov. Leopoldo Dominico “Mic” L. Petilla was the guest of honor, who during his inspirational talk connected malnutrition situation with poverty, so that in the province of Leyte he revealed that his administration is doing its best to lessen, if not eradicate the prevalence of both.

On the first day, the first salvo of serious topics was delivered by NNC-8 Nutrition Officer III Niño Archie S. Labordo who lectured on Medical and Survivorship Assistance; RNPC Dotollo, the Role of BNS in the PPAN 2017-2022; NNC Nutrition Officer III Ullasini J. Pangan, the Updated Implementing Guidelines on the BNS Program; and NNC Nutrition Officer I Sharmie Nicole B. Tansingco, the Availability of NNC Travelling Allowance.

On the second day Department of Health (DoH) Nutrition Program Manager Felecita Borata lectured on Wastong Nutrisyon – Alamin, Gawin at Palaganapin; DSWD Human Resource head Ann Ritzel Caragos, tackled etiquette and good manners and right conduct; and AVON Cosmetics Province Field Trainer Sarah Afable, the Proper Attire, Manners and Conduct at work and during social intercourse!

After which the BNS individual local federations went through an Action Planning: Making the conference worthwhile and strengthening the BNS Federation.

A fun activity of a “Talent Showdown” participated in by seven local government units BNS groups preceded the closing activities of the EVA-BNS president’s and treasurer’s report, wherein federation Vice President Francis Turla put to a cap to the two-day event in her closing remarks.

This year the BNSs is celebrating forty years (40) of community service after which Presidential Decree No. 1569 was signed on June 11, 1978. (JCG and NASL)