Baguio City – The National Nutrition Council-Cordillera Administrative Region, in partnership with the Cordillera Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) Federation Incorporated (CordiBNSFed Inc.), conducted the 5th Regional BNS Conference Edition last November 11 via Zoom App.

The congress aimed to mobilize the BNSs to implement the programs and projects of Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022 at the barangay level, enhance BNSs personality/skills, strengthen the provincial BNS federations and the CordiBNSFed Inc. and provide health and nutrition information relevant to this current pandemic situation.

Five resource speakers delivered messages on the different topics namely Ifugao Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano who inspired the BNSs and provided information on the “Innovative Nutrition Programs Implemented” in his province.

Dr. Marcela Tinoyan, a former MHO/MNAO, also motivated the participants and shared the core skills of a program implementer or coordinator at a barangay level.

“The quality of nutrition in the first 1000 days can have a significant impact on the achievement of the national and global development goals,” Ms. Candice Salingbay, ND of DOH-CHD-CAR emphasized as she talked about the first 1000 days of life.

Moreover, Mr. Russken Dogaong, a minister of the Gospel and mental health advocate, shared tips on how to prevent anxiety and staying mentally healthy amidst the pandemic.

Lastly, Dr. Ryan Guinaran, Executive Director of the DITENG Inc. delivered a message regarding personality development to empower the BNSs.

“BNSs, may you sustain your passion in promoting good nutrition in your respective barangays. Adapt to the new technologies in order for you to still implement your nutrition activities despite the problems in conducting face-to-face activities,” OIC-Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC-CAR reminded the BNSs as the council also conducted this as its first virtual congress.

YRGYL M. SUCDAD & BELLA M. BASALONG