BNS Articlee InfographicDissemination of nutrition information and delivery of nutrition services to the barangays will not be made possible if not for the hard work, commitment, and perseverance of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs).

The deployment of BNSs in every barangay is mandated by Presidential Decree (PD) 1569, signed last 11 June 1978. As defined by the law, the BNSs are barangay-based volunteer workers responsible for delivering nutrition services and other related activities.

The roles and functions of the BNSs include the following:

  • Planning of nutrition programs, projects, and activities that will be implemented in the respective barangays; assist the Punong Barangay in organizing or reactivating the Barangay Nutrition Committee (BNC) and initiate and assist the BNC in the formulation of the Barangay Nutrition Action Plan (BNAP).
  • Coordination, the BNSs are responsible for coordinating with the BNC and the City/Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (C/MNAO); coordinates meetings of the BNC and submits minutes of the meeting; facilitates nutrition-related meetings; coordinates implementation of nutrition activities, and refers clients to appropriate service providers.
  • Advocacy and Promotion, it is also the duty and responsibility of the BNSs to advocate for the nutrition program among policy and decision makers, implementers and beneficiaries.
  • Implementation, as the focal person for nutrition at the barangay level, the BNSs also make sure that planned nutrition-specific and nutrition sensitive activities are implemented.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation, part of the duty of the BNSs is to find out whether the planned activities were implemented; the objectives set were fulfilled; and if program goals and targets were met. Also, the BNSs facilitate the conduct of nutrition surveillance activities, with Operation Timbang Plus as the most common form of monitoring, done every first quarter of the year to measure the weight and length/height of children 0-59 months old.
  • Resource Mobilization/Generation, BNSs should also be able to mobilize and generate human and financial resources in coordination with the BNC.
  • Documentation and Record Keeping, the BNSs are tasked to prepare minutes or highlights of meetings dutifully and promptly, prepares brief write-ups and diaries, and takes photos of important activities.

Further, for a BNS to perform all the assigned roles, tasks and functions, he or she should possess the basic knowledge and skills of a BNS. Some of the important skills of a BNS includes communication, presentation, advocacy, documentation, report writing and record-keeping, time management, organizing and coordinating.

Together with these are core values that will be the guiding principles of the BNSs in dealing with people in the community and providing them services that would address problems regarding the nutritional status of their families and community. A BNS should serve with the core values InTEEERAct, which stands for Integrity, Transparency, Efficiency, Equity, Excellence, Respect for human rights, and Accountability.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the BNSs went beyond their duties and responsibilities as they were called to serve at the frontline. In this extraordinary time, the BNSs have utilized their knowledge and skills and served with the core values of a BNS. During the COVID-19 response, most of the BNSs helped in the packing and delivery of food packs, some assisted in the checkpoints and others were mobilized to assist at the vaccination sites and in monitoring those who are in the quarantine facilities, among others.

Despite the still on-going pandemic and the added load, the BNSs continues to deliver nutrition services to the vulnerable groups at their respective barangays. These services are provided to ensure that timely interventions are given to prevent deterioration of the health and nutritional status of at-risk individuals.

All these hard work and compassion for the barangay that the BNSs have shown during these times just shows that they live by the core values of a BNS, while seeing to it that they reach the goal of uplifting the quality of life of the people.

As the BNSs go above and beyond their duties and responsibilities, we also encourage the local government units (LGUs) to express the same enthusiasm with their support to the BNSs. As one of the modern-day heroes they deserve the unwavering support more than the acknowledgements. Mabuhay ang mga BNSs and we salute you! (NO I Liezel Joy D. Reyes)

References:

Department of Health. Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Program. (n.d.). Retrieved 7 February 2022 from https://doh.gov.ph/health-program/BNS

National Nutrition Council. Barangay Nutrition Scholar Handbook. (2014). Manila. Philippines.

National Nutrition Council. Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Program. (20 April 2020). Retrieved 9 February 2022 from https://nnc.gov.ph/plans-and-programs/barangay-nutrition-scholar-bns-program

Official Gazette. Presidential Decree No. 1569, s. 1978. (n.d.). Retrieved 9 February 2022 from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1978/06/11/presidential-decree-no-1569-s-1978/