Seventy-three of Bayambang’s Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) underwent a three-day training program at the Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation Inc. (KKSBFI) on May 3-5, 2017.

The training was aimed at developing the skills of BNSs and reminding them of their roles and responsibilities in managing nutrition-related projects at the barangay level. The overall goal is to equip them in assisting the Barangay Council in the task of forming a Barangay Nutrition Committee, which has the power of formulating nutrition programs for the barangay.

Overseeing the program was Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Venus M. Bueno, assisted by staff including BNS President Minda Retuya ad Princess Roldan. The trainors were Marina Penoliar, Nutritionist of the District Nutrition Program Coordinator; Gretchen J. Nisperos, Nutrition Officer III of the National Nutrition Council Region 1; and Darwin F. Tumbaga, BNS President of Ilocos Norte.

In his speech on behalf of Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, KKSBFI Managing Director Levin N. Uy relayed the happy news that Bayambang has been delisted in 2016 by the National Nutrition Council from its #1 regional position and #4 nationwide in the list of towns with the highest incidence of child malnutrition, thanks to the effort of the Municipal Nutrition Action Office that was created by the Quiambao-Sabangan administration in response to the problem, in cooperation with RHU1, MSWDO and Department of Agriculture.

“This shows na ’pag pursigido ka, kaya mong umangat,” said Uy.

Uy also related his personal experience with regard to proper nutrition. “I inherited a tendency to gain weight, so I do what I can to help control my weight. I am into Zumba dancing, and I control my calorie intake, and I eat nutritious food. [So should everyone else, because] we are what we eat,” he concluded, by way of inspiring the BNSs in the conduct of their mission as volunteer health workers and to underscore the importance of their role.