Event Geek

The whole nation will celebrate the 2012 Nutrition Month this July. With the theme “Pagkain ng gulay ugaliin, araw-araw itong ihain!”, the objectives of the 38thmonth-long observance are to: a. increase vegetable consumption as part of a healthy diet to address micronutrient deficiencies and non‐communicable diseases; b. promote vegetable gardening as a source of additional food and income; and c. increase demand for vegetables to help local vegetable farmers.

The National Nutrition Council 7 thru the Regional Nutrition Committee, the Cebu City Nutrition Council and the Media Information Network for Nutrition and Development 7 spearheads the regional celebration. Several activities have been lined up for the celebration this month. Please see attached. One of the kick-off activities is the “Vegetable Hour”- a simultaneous planting of vegetables region-wide in homes, communities, schools, day care centers, hospitals and prisons on 02 July 2012 at 8:00-9:00 a.m. This would be done in four (4) key areas including Mabolo Elementary School for the school setting, V. Sotto Memorial Medical Center for the hospital setting, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City for the community and Operation Second Chance for prison.

The Barangay Nutrition Scholars will converge in the CCP of the South (Luce Auditorium, Silliman University) on 07-08 November 2011 for their 7th Regional BNS Congress.

The Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) coming from the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor will converge at the magnificent Claire Isabel Luce Auditorium of Silliman University. Considered as the Cultural Center of the South, the Luce Auditorium will be the venue of the 7th Regional Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Congress on 07 – 08 November 2011. The Congress which is now in its 7th year is organized by the National Nutrition Council Region VII thru the Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars’ Association of Region VII (FeBaNuSA 7).  This year’s event will have an inspiring theme “Developing Capacities of BNS to Overcome Challenges".  Congresswoman Jocelyn S. Limkaichong of the 1st District of Negros Oriental was invited to grace the event as the Keynote speaker.

This annual gathering of front-line nutrition workers is done to update BNSs with new information vital to their professional growth in carrying out health and nutrition services in the grassroots level and promote camaraderie among BNSs. Topics lined up include: How Safe is Your Food? to be tackled by Silliman University’s Michelle A. Naranjo, Community Health Team and the Role of BNS by Dr. Ma. Socorro M. Entera of DOH-CHD 7 and Strengthening the Capacities of BNSs, the Cebu Province Experience by Ms. Dhaianne S. Laborte. The participants will also discuss matters affecting their association including the proposed Magna Carta for BNS.

Aside from the congress proper, the Mutya ng BNS 2011 would also highlight the 2 days event. The different cities and provinces of Region 7 would have their representatives who would be vying for the Mutya ng BNS 2011 Crown. Ms. Rowena Bautista Dilao of Cebu City, the 2010 reigning Mutya ng BNS will turn over the crown to the next Mutya who will continue the role as Ambassador of Goodwill for BNSs region-wide. The Mutya ng BNS is done to showcase the talents and develop the versatility of BNSs.

The Congress is co-sponsored by Silliman University thru the Nutrition and Dietetics Department and City of Dumaguete.

Source: Nutrition Advocates - MIND 7