Palo, Leyte – Around 200 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) in Eastern Visayas’ six provinces gathered here at the Department of Education (DepEd) Leyte Division Gymnasium to mark their being front-liners in the battle against malnutrition in Region 8 on July 30, 2019.

The activity capped the Nutrition Month celebration of July carrying the theme: “Kumain nang Wasto at Maging Aktibo…Push Nation ‘to!” And as the theme directed the serious discussions of the gathering was mixed with more fun activities—all involving physical activity.

Nutrition Officer II Ullasini J. Pangan, tackled a brief discussion on the Nutrition Month Key Messages, wherein she emphasized for everyone to have ONE hour or more of physical activity every day, to reduce screen time (use of gadgets, TV and computer) to TWO hours or less each day, and to eat the THREE food groups every day for variety;

On the other hand, Nutrition Officer III Nino Archie S. Labordo discussed the Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar Journey where he revealed this year Region 8 has a contender to the national level for the Outstanding BNS, as he urged the congregation to strive to become as well. Moreover, Dr. Catalino P. Dotollo Jr., NNC-8 Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, during his inspirational message, congratulated each one for a successful event and for their efforts in uplifting the regional nutrition situation.

The gathering of BNSs in the region was organized by the Eastern Visayas Association of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (EVA-BNS) headed by BNS Lydia O. Nunez who also welcomed the BNSs and thanked them for their resounding attendance and continued support of the BNSs.

Highlighting the event are the highly entailing physical activities and fun games. This was divided into Solo Game, Group Game, and 3N1 Dance Contest: the Solo Game were Sipa, Limbo Rock, Hula-Hoop Defyig Gravity, Piko, Tsato and Sangkayaw; the Group Game were Patintero, Sack Race, Dodgeball and Tug of War; and the 3N1 Dance Contest were Cha-cha, Boogies and Tango.

As of May 2019, there are about 4, 966 listed barangay nutrition scholars in the region, the front liners that delivers the nutrition and nutrition-related services to the barangay by caring for the malnourished and the nutritionally vulnerable, mobilizing the community, and linkage buildings.# NSLabordo