The National Nutrition Council Region III is conducting the search for the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (ROBNS) covering the 7 provinces (Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales) and 13 cities (Angeles, Balanga, Cabanatuan, Gapan, Malolos, Meycauayan, Olongapo, Palayan, San Fernando, San Jose, San Jose Del Monte, Science City of Muñoz and Tarlac).

The search for ROBNS will cover the period of April 24 to June 22,2012. Back to back with the validation of city and provincial entries for ROBNS, the Regional Evaluation Team (RNET) will conduct the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) of nutrition programs in the cities and provinces until August 31, 2012. The RNET is composed of the Regional Nutrition Committee member agency representatives from DOH-CHD, DA, DSWD, DepEd, DILG, POPCOM, NEDA, NFA, PIA, DPWH, DOLE, DBM and NNC.

The objectives of the MELLPI are to assess the efficiency of local level plan implementation: outreach of activities undertaken, funds expended, management and support given by LCEs and other implementing agencies; measure changes in weight status of preschool and school children during the evaluation; determine the extent to which nutrition is integrated into local development plans and programs; and advocate for the continuing support for local nutrition programs.

The RNET will conduct barangay desk evaluation and validation weighing of at least 10% of total preschool children weighed based on 2011 OPT report. The evaluator shall randomly weigh children of different nutritional status (Normal, Severely Underweight, Underweight or Overweight).

Schedule of Outstanding BNS Evaluation: Cabanatuan City- April 25; Aurora Province- May 10-11; Bulacan Province – May 29-30; Palayan City – June 1, Pampanga Province – June 4; Malolos City- June 5; Angeles City – June 7; Nueva Ecija Province- June 8; Bataan Province- June 13; San Jose City-June 14 to 15; Tarlac Province- June 18; Balanga City- June 19; Zambales Province – June 20 to 22.

Monitoring visit to Bulacan Province vying for Nutrition Honor Award will be conducted in preparation for the National Evaluation Team (NET) visit on the first week of June for the 2nd Year CROWN Maintenance Award of the province.

The Outstanding BNS in the Province and City will receive cash award while the Regional Outstanding BNS will receive cash award and trophy. On the other hand, Green Banner Award in 3 categories awaits LGUs, such as Outstanding Municipality in the Region, Outstanding City in the Region and Outstanding Province in the Region.