In a meeting with the Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinator (MNPC) Julia Sapno and the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) of Pateros on 28 May 2014, NNC-NCR NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo underscored the important roles the BNSs play in the implementation of nutrition programs at the barangays. The meeting was held as part of the continuing shepherding project of the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) in Pateros.

During the free-flowing discussion on the status of the nutrition program implementation in the municipality, the BNSs and MNPC Sapno identified several challenges in the efficient and effective implementation of nutrition and related programs. The foremost of which is the non-functionality of some of the Barangay Nutrition Committees (BNCs). The group brainstormed on the strategies to address this problem and what the BNSs can do to help improve the barangay nutrition program implementation.

Among the actions that MNPC Sapno and the BNSs identified and committed to do include the following: (a) ask assistance of and work closely with the DILG officer in making the BNCs functional using the indicators provided by NNC; (b) advocate for the designation of Barangay Nutrition Action Officer (BNAO) in all barangays; (c) present the Operation Timbang (OPT) results to the barangay captains and existing BNAOs as an advocacy strategy; (d) tap the assistance of Liga ng Barangay President in getting the support of barangay captains; (d) conduct regular BNS meetings with Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Joyce Medina; (e) provide the Municipal Health Officer and MNAO feedback on the status of the BNS Program regularly; and (e) conduct time and motion study to assess the work load of the BNSs so that more time can be devoted in doing home visits, active casefinding, referral and follow-up. These suggested actions will be discussed by MNPC Sapno with the MNAO and the Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC).

Cognizant of their important roles and functions, the BNSs reiterated their commitment to help improve the nutrition program implementation in the barangays by doing their job well. They also pledge their support to assist the MNC in undertaking the necessary actions to improve their nutrition program implementation, particularly at the barangay level.