The Cagayan Valley Barangay Nutrition Scholars Federation Inc. (CVBNSF Inc.) in partnership with the National Nutrition Council, (NNC) Region 02 held the 2nd Regional Barangay Nutrition Scholars Congress last December 2, 2016 at the Community Center, Centro Poblacion, City of Ilagan, Isabela.
The activity was attended by One Thousand Six Hundred Eighty (1680) BNSs from as far as the island of Itbayat, Batanes, the mountain municipalities of Kasibu, Alfonso Castaneda and Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya and the coastal areas of Palanan, and Dinapigue, Isabela.
The congress with the theme, BNS: Kaagapay sa Pagpapalaganap ng First 1000 Days ni Baby” aimed to apprise the BNS on current health and nutrition development to improve their knowledge and skills in performing their tasks. The congress was also a venue for the BNSs to discuss various concerns of the federation.
The BNSs were lucky to have a champion in health and nutrition as their keynote speaker, the former governor and Provincial Nutrition Committee, chair of Nueva Vizcaya, Honorable Ruth Raῆa Padilla. Honorable Padilla gave an update on public health and nutrition developments as guide of the BNSs in implementing nutrition interventions to end hunger and malnutrition in their barangay. She called the BNSs as the true heroes due to their selfless dedication and service to the people in the community. She likewise lauded the BNSs for despite the meager financial benefit provided by the local government units, they are always ready to serve their clients particularly the mothers and children.
Mrs. Ma. Gisela M. Lonzaga, the Nutrition Officer III of NNC, R02 in her presentation of the nutrition situation in region 02, highlighted the provinces, cities and municipalities with the highest prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight pre-school and school children based on the 2013 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Institute-Department of Science and Technology and the 2015 Operation Timbang Plus results. Mrs. Lonzaga appealed to the BNSs to analyze their OPT Plus results together with the OPT team, in that way the Barangay Nutrition Committee can properly identify interventions to halt the malnutrition problems of the barangay.
Nutrition Program Coordinator of the NNC, Region 02, Mrs. Rhodora G. Maestre discussed the First 1000 days in a Child’s Life. Mrs. Maestre explained that every child has the right to survival, development, protection and participation. Further, she stressed that it is their right to develop to their full potential and to be free from hunger. She said that providing adequate nutrition and highest proper health care to children will ensure their survival and development. Mrs. Maestre also gave a list of interventions that must be provided for the First 1000 Days in a Child’s Life. Like interventions for pregnant and lactating mothers, infants and young children. She emphasized that the BNC is not prevented from planning and implementing other interventions that are supportive to the First 1000 Days in A Child’s Life.
The BNSs showcased their talents in the Talent Show Down among the provincial federations and city associations. First place, second and third place were garnered by the Quirino federation, Isabela federation and Cagayan federation respectively. Cash prizes were given by the CVBNSF Inc.
This successful 2nd Regional Barangay Nutrition Scholars Congress was capped with the passage of 2 resolutions by the CVBNSF Inc. supportive to 2 resolutions passed by the Regional Nutrition Committee, Region 02. These were “A Resolution to Support the Promotion of Good Nutrition in the First 1000 Days in A Child’s Life” and “A Resolution Supporting Regional Nutrition Committee Resolution Enjoining Local Government Units To Pass An Ordinance Regulating the Sale Of Empty Calorie Foods, Carbonated, Synthetic and Sugary Beverages In Public And Private School Canteens And Cafeterias And Food Vendors Near The School Premises Providing Penalties For Violations Thereof and For Other Purposes”.
The 3rd Regional Barangay Nutrition Congress was agreed to be held in 2018 in the province of Nueva Vizcaya.