Around 350 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) from the 17 local government units (LGUS) in Metro Manila gathered on November 6-7, 2018 to commemorate the 40th year of the BNS Program as per Presidential Decree (PD) 1569. The celebration, conducted through a two-day conference with the theme “BNS: Bayani ng Nutrisyon – Noon, Ngayon at Bukas!”, was held at the Century Park Hotel, Manila.
BNSs are front-line workers in the barangay who provide basic nutrition and related services and serve as the link between the service providers and the families. Presidential Decree 1569 was promulgated on June 11, 1978 to improve the implementation of barangay nutrition program through the deployment of at least one (1) BNS in every barangay. The decree also mandated the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to administer the BNS program.
Aside from the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the BNS program, this year’s conference also aimed to mobilize the BNSs to implement the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022 in their barangays and to strengthen the local BNS Associations to build up the Regional BNS Federation.
In her inspirational message, OIC-Regional Director of the Center for Health Development – Metro Manila (CHD-MM) Dr. Corazon I. Flores cited that malnutrition is now considered as a silent killer and is a great threat to children. She emphasized the presence of the double burden of malnutrition, particularly overweight and obesity, as one of the nutritional problems our country is now facing that requires urgent attention. As health workers, RD Flores encouraged the BNSs to double their efforts and look for ways to combat the double burden of malnutrition which is characterized by the coexistence of undernutrition along with overweight and obesity.
“We need to go back to the basics and start addressing the problem of malnutrition among ourselves and our families. Let us do what we preach. We need to eat healthy and exercise to become healthy ourselves. We need to teach our families about good nutrition and exercise, and we need to teach our children about discipline,“ RD Flores said.
Dr. Flores also asked the BNSs to be more patient in educating and teaching mothers good nutrition before and after pregnancy and on proper infant and young child feeding to protect the child’s first 1000 days of life. She asked for the commitment of all the BNSs in NCR to continue advocating for good nutrition ngayon at bukas!
Resource speakers from the region were invited to discuss the following topics: 1.) Role of BNS in the PPAN 2017-2022 (Ms. Milagros Elisa V. Federizo, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, NNC-NCR); 2) Demonstration of Proper Weight and Height Measurement of Children and Nutrition Assessment using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (Ms. Sheila Mica R. Bautista, Nutritionist-Dietitian II, Marikina City Nutrition Office); 3) Draft Updated Implementing Guidelines on the BNS Program (Nutrition Officer III Emerenciana L. Francia, NNC-NCR); 5) Medical and Survivorship Assistance and Availment of NNC Travelling Allowance (NO I Mary Agnes Beatrice R. Menorca, NNC-NCR), 6) Wastong Nutrisyon – Alamin, Gawin at Palaganapin (Ms. Josefina H. Serneo, Nutritionist-Dietitian IV, CHD-MM) and 7) Stress Management (Bro. Renato “Eng” M. Si, Feast Builder, Quezon City).
Also part of the conference was the conferment of service awards to BNSs who have served their respective LGUs for 30-40 years. The BNSs also got to showcase their talents during the “BNS Got Talent” portion. Out of the seven (7) LGUs that performed, the top three (3) winners were BNSs from Navotas City (2nd place), Las Piňas City (1st place), and Taguig City (Grand Winner). All winners and contestants received their prizes from the Regional BNS Federation. Judges were Ms. Christel Jane Alayon of Creative Juices Photography, Ms. Josefina Serneo of CHD-MM, and NO III Emerenciana Francia.
BNS Federation President Ms. Tamayo gave the President’s report while BNS Federation Treasurer Ms. Rossana Jacinto presented the Treasurer’s report during the General Assembly.
Sharing of Good Practices of BNSs
Outstanding BNSs Ms. Mary Grace P. Tamayo of Mandaluyong City (2014 National and Regional Outstanding BNS), Ms. Nilda A. Aguilar of Pasig City (2016 Regional Outstanding BNS) and Ms. Elvira T. Quirona of Makati City (2017 ROBNS and NOBNS Runner-up) shared their good practices that helped them become outstanding BNSs. The panel discussion was moderated by NPC Mila Federizo.
Being in service for 20 years, 2014 NOBNS Grace Tamayo cited the leadership of her barangay captain and the support of the barangay nutrition committee as the key factor in the continued decline in the prevalence of malnutrition in her barangay, Barangay Pag-Asa. But despite the available support and programs in the barangay, there are still mothers who do not prioritize nutrition in their families. There are still those who have wrong knowledge on breastfeeding, complementary feeding and immunization. Thus, as BNSs, it is important for them to have patience, understanding and determination in order to convince the community members on the importance of nutrition especially during the first 1000 days of life.
BNS Nilda Aguilar, also with 20 years of service, cited her efforts to find and mobilize non-government organizations and private companies to become members of the BNC as one of her accomplishments. It is important to have partner NGOs and private companies to generate funds for the nutrition program. More support from partners means more health and nutrition programs. She also emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluation to ensure that all programs and projects are done according to plan.
BNS Elvira Quirona emphasized that all members of the BNC must be involved in formulating the BNAP. She said that as a member of the BNC, she regularly reports to the BNC so that the BNC knows what assistance to give to accomplish all planned activities. She also cited the passage of nutrition-related resolutions and ordinances and involvement of the community members as important factors in the success of their barangay nutrition program. BNS Quirona has been in the service for 33 years.
BNSs pledged to provide health and nutrition services in the years ahead
BNS Federation Board Member Ms. Mabel Napoles of Quezon City led the group in the Panunumpa ng BNS. They pledged to continue providing nutrition and related services in their barangays with passion and dedication. They promised to take care of the children to realize the country’s vision of a future that is progressive and healthy. They will encourage the parents to practice positive parenting and uphold the rights of the child which include the right to food, health, water and education. The BNSs pledged to continue providing these services now and in the years ahead.
The conference was organized by the Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholar of NCR, Inc. in partnership with the National Nutrition Council – National Capital Region with funding support from the National Nutrition Council. (TAR/MEVF/NNC-NCR)