25 March 2022, Cagayan de Oro City – The National Barangay Nutrition Scholars Federation (NaBNS Fed), Inc. – Northern Mindanao Chapter held its first semester meeting facilitated by the National Nutrition Council Region X at Apple Tree Resort and Hotel, Opol, Misamis Oriental last 18 March 2022.

A total of nine (9) officers attended the meeting. Chapter President and Presiding Officer BNS Flordeliza S. Gonzales of Iligan City expressed her gratitude to all officers who were present during the meeting.

BNS Gonzales discussed updates from LuzViMin Federation BNS Meeting last 16 March 2022. First, the assessment of Presidential Decree No. 1569 or the BNS Program where BNSs expressed their disappointment on the lack of proper incentives, benefits, and security in their positions. All BNSs are designated positions whose jobs are vulnerable to the tenure of Local Chief Executives. The assessment also showed that the majority of the BNSs have higher educational attainment than what is required in the implementing guidelines of PD 1569. Lastly, it revealed that the BNSs’ educational attainment is significantly moderately associated with the BNS role performance. She also shared the NNC’s plan on the amendment of PD 1569: 1) to craft a legislative proposal or non-negotiable provisions that will secure the tenure of the BNSs; and 2) to design a legislative advocacy strategy to raise awareness and increase political support.

Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Puribel B. Talaroc, former Misamis Oriental provincial federated president and acting Chapter Assistant Secretary informed the officers for their upcoming renewal to Security Exchange Commission (SEC) in April 2022, this will be done together with the chapter president, secretary and treasurer. The SEC renewal will enable the association to conduct legal business, trade financial assets, and be entitled to certain rights under the country’s corporate and investment laws.

BNS Gonzales reminded all officers to stay safe, and strictly follow minimum health standards. (NO I Vazamija Therese A. Villasi, RND)