BARANGAY NUTRITION SCHOLARS (BNS) PROJECT
The Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) Program
involves the training, deployment and supervision of volunteer workers on nutrition called the Barangay Nutrition Scholars.
Presidential Decree No. 1569 mandated the deployment of one BNS in every barangay in the country to monitor the nutritional status of children and/or link communities with nutrition and related service providers. PD 1569 also mandated the NNC to adminsiter the program in cooperation with local government units.
As administrator, NNC provides financial and technical assistance for the LGUs to effectievly implement the BNS Program. Specifically, the Council provides a modest accident insurance coverage of P5,000.00 each BNS and monthly travelling allowance of P20.00 per BNS.
Each BNS is provided with a bag, weighing scale, t-shirts, and a set of nutrition information materials as reference during nutrition classes or home visits. NNC also facilitate the availment of a second grade civisl service eligibility by every BNS who has completed two consecutive years of satisfactory services.
Additional allowances are provided by the LGUs depending on their financial capacity and political will.
To date, a total of 22,083 BNSs are deployed in 954 municipalities coveringa total of 19,032 barangays nationwide. These BNSs are under the supervision of 316 District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators (D/CNPCs).
For further information:
Ms. Maria Vicenta Magpantay
Officer-In-Charge, Nutrition Policy and Planning Division
8435832
