More than 1,400 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) from the province of Iloilo have pledged their commitment to building a greener and a healthier community for Ilonggo children and mothers.
The grassroots health volunteers marked their dedication by participating in a "Tree of Commitment" ceremony during the opening of the 4th Provincial Barangay Nutrition Scholars Convention at Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo City, on September 2, 2026.
Now on its fourth year, the two-day activity focused on sharpening the skills of the volunteer workers and strengthening their vital role in health delivery at the grassroots level.
A Barangay Nutrition Scholar is primarily tasked with identifying and tracking malnourished children through the annual Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus.
Mandated by Presidential Decree No. 1569 to deploy at least one scholar per barangay, Iloilo relies on a network of over 1,700 BNS who connect mothers and children to essential healthcare services.
Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque emphasized that the provincial government’s programs extend beyond nutrition to foster the holistic development of children. This is grounded in the premise that protecting the environment also means safeguarding our vital food sources.
“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,” she said.
Debuque, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Health, also underscored the vital role of the BNS in ensuring that every Ilonggo mother and child receive optimal care.
“We want all our young children to be healthy so they can confidently grow, learn, and enjoy their childhood,” Debuque added.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon also highlighted the BNS’ indispensable contribution to maternal and child care.
“Behind every nutrition program that succeeds in a barangay, there is often a BNS quietly working behind the scenes,” Dr. Quiñon said.
“You visit homes. You talk to mothers. You monitor children. You encourage families. You identify those who need help. You participate in feeding programs. You gather data. You coordinate with the barangay and the municipal government,” the PHO chief added.
The gathering featured a series of capacity-building sessions tailored for the participants.
In the morning, Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Wendel Marcelo highlighted the critical role of BNS workers in safeguarding maternal nutrition, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life.
In the afternoon, soft skills management expert Ms. Rowena Diaz led a talk on personality development and professional excellence.
Dr. Catherine Jane Loking Eraldo, PHO Psychiatrist and Medical Specialist II, facilitated a discussion on fostering mental wellness, resilience, and compassion in nutrition service.
Miagao Municipal Health Officer Dr. Rhea Palacios presented strategies on making nutrition services inclusive and accessible to all.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City Agriculturist Mr. Iñigo Garringalao discussed how to strengthen local food production to bolster nutrition security and build greener communities.
The BNS Convention was supported by Dr. May Ann Sta. Lucia, Medical Officer V of Department of Health Western Visayas; Ms. Jean M. Quidtadio, LGOO VII and C2 Cluster Head of DILG Iloilo Province; members of the Provincial Nutrition Committee; and the Federation of Provincial Nutrition Volunteers of Iloilo, Inc.
Department of Health Undersecretary and Concurrent Executive Director IV of the National Nutrition Council Dr. Albert Francis Domingo also gave his message of support through a recorded video.