1,400 Iloilo nutrition scholars commit to healthier communities

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY — More than 1,400 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) in Iloilo pledged to promote healthier communities by linking nutrition, local food production, and environmental protection.

The commitment was highlighted during the opening of the 4th Provincial Barangay Nutrition Scholars Convention at Punta Villa Resort in Iloilo City on Sept. 2.

The two-day convention brought together BNS workers for capacity-building sessions on maternal nutrition, mental wellness, professional development, inclusive nutrition services, and local food production.

Provincial Health Office Chief Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon described the scholars as a crucial link between families and government health and nutrition programs.

“Behind every nutrition program that succeeds in a barangay, there is often a BNS quietly working behind the scenes,” Quiñon said.

She cited the wide range of responsibilities handled by BNS workers, including visiting households, monitoring children, assisting mothers, identifying families needing support, participating in feeding programs, gathering nutrition data, and coordinating with barangay and municipal officials.

BNS workers are primarily responsible for identifying and monitoring malnourished children through the annual Operation Timbang Plus, among other community-based nutrition activities.

Under Presidential Decree No. 1569, at least one BNS is to be deployed in every barangay.

Iloilo has more than 1,700 BNS serving communities across the province.

The convention also focused on maternal health during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, with Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Wendel Marcelo discussing the role of BNS workers in maternal nutrition.

Other sessions tackled personality development and professional excellence, mental wellness and resilience, inclusive nutrition services, and strengthening local food production.

Miagao Municipal Health Officer Dr. Rhea Palacios discussed ways to make nutrition services more inclusive and accessible.

Iloilo City Agriculturist Iñigo Garringalao highlighted local food production as a means of strengthening nutrition security.

Vice Gov. Lee Ann Debuque, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Health, said the province’s nutrition programs also consider the broader conditions that affect children’s health.

“Here in the province of Iloilo, we give importance to the environment because we want our nutritional needs to be supported by our local community, especially for our feeding programs,” Debuque said.

DOH Western Visayas Medical Officer V Dr. May Ann Sta. Lucia and DILG Iloilo Cluster Head Jean M. Quidtadio also supported the gathering, along with members of the Provincial Nutrition Committee and the Federation of Provincial Nutrition Volunteers of Iloilo Inc.

Department of Health Undersecretary and National Nutrition Council Concurrent Executive Director IV Dr. Albert Francis Domingo also delivered a message of support through a recorded video.

Now in its fourth year, the convention seeks to further equip BNS workers as frontline partners in delivering nutrition services and promoting healthier communities across Iloilo.