MALAYBALAY CITY — Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) from across Northern Mindanao
gathered in Malaybalay City for a three-day regional conference to strengthen their skills in
monitoring child growth, assessing nutritional status, supporting proper feeding, and counseling
families on healthy practices, helping bring improved nutrition services closer to communities
under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda.

The 9th Regional BNS Conference, held at the Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater under the theme
“Serbisyo, Pagkakaisa at Dedikasyon: Empowering the Modern Barangay Nutrition Scholars,”
focused on strengthening frontline nutrition services through practical knowledge-sharing and
collaboration. These efforts aim to help BNS identify children at nutritional risk, guide families
on appropriate feeding practices, and promote early action on nutrition concerns.
Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran urged BNS to champion proper nutrition by
raising family awareness, supporting local nutrition programs, and working with local
governments to identify children who need nutritional support. Their community-level work

helps families access timely guidance and interventions that can support children’s growth and
overall health.
“I know that your situation is not easy, especially since you are not regular employees of the
LGU. You serve as volunteers, yet your love for our country remains steadfast. Perhaps not
everyone has expressed their gratitude to you, but I, as your father here in the City of
Malaybalay, am deeply grateful to all of you. The local chief executive cannot do everything
alone without your support,” he said, recognizing the scholars’ contributions to local nutrition
efforts despite their volunteer status.
The National Barangay Nutrition Scholars Federation Northern Mindanao Chapter organized the
conference in collaboration with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 10, bringing
together nutrition workers from different provinces to strengthen coordination and share practical
approaches to community nutrition. The collaboration supports national efforts to improve
nutrition services at the barangay level, where BNS help monitor children’s growth, identify
nutritional concerns, and guide families toward appropriate feeding support and nutrition
counseling.
Reginaldo T. Guillen, nutrition program coordinator and officer in charge of NNC Region 10,
emphasized the vital role of BNS in improving community nutrition services across Northern
Mindanao.
“Our Barangay Nutrition Scholars are the backbone of our nutrition programs and frontline
advocates for healthier communities. By strengthening their skills and working together, we can
make proper nutrition accessible to every family,” Guillen said.
Mohaimen Macaagal, a BNS from Lanao del Norte, said the conference gave scholars
opportunity to share experiences and learn strategies they could apply in their communities,
particularly in monitoring child growth, recognizing nutrition concerns, and guiding parents and
caregivers on proper feeding and healthy eating.
“Let us continue our work as BNS because with every child we help and every family we
support, we help build lives and shape a future toward a healthier community,” Macaagal said,
underscoring how sustained community service can help improve children’s nutrition and family
health.
Hearty Jane G. Chatto, a registered nutritionist-dietitian from Misamis Occidental, welcomed the
opportunity to exchange knowledge with fellow nutrition workers and learn approaches to
improve local nutrition programs, including assessing nutritional status, supporting proper child
feeding, and counseling families on healthier food choices.
“We are very grateful for the support extended by our LGU because this is a special opportunity
for our BNS. It gives them the chance to learn, gain experience, and connect with fellow BNS
from different provinces. We hope they gain valuable knowledge and experiences that they can
bring back and apply to the community,” she said, emphasizing how local government support
can help scholars apply their learning to community nutrition programs and family counseling.

Through the conference, organizers sought to strengthen BNS capabilities in child growth
monitoring, nutrition assessment, feeding interventions, and counseling. By applying these skills
in their barangays, scholars can help families recognize nutrition risks earlier, make informed
food choices, and seek appropriate support, reinforcing the Bagong Pilipinas goal of bringing
responsive government services closer to the people. (JMC/PIA-10/Bukidnon)