The provincial government has increased the allowance of Iloilo’s 1,800 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) this year.

During the first day of the two-day 2nd BNS convention on Thursday, Iloilo provincial administrator Raul Banias, who represented Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., said a PHP500 increase was included in the Supplemental Budget No. 1 passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) on Tuesday and approved by the governor on Wednesday.

With this, the nutrition scholars can initially expect a PHP4,500 allowance, from the previous PHP4,000, by the end of the year.

However, he said, Defensor wanted another PHP500 increase, which he intends to include in the Annual Investment Plan Supplemental Budget No. 2.

Meanwhile, provincial officials commended the BNS for their dedication to fighting malnutrition in the province.

“Thank you for your services. Without your help, the target of Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon and Dr. Wendel Marcelo would be difficult to attain. The prevalence of malnutrition is declining, but as mentioned by Dr. Quiñon, there are still pockets of stunted, wasted, and malnourished children,” Banias said in his message.

Quiñon heads the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, while Marcelo is a Provincial Health Officer I.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Health chairperson Jo Ann Germinanda referred to the BNS as “unsung heroes who go beyond the call of duty to ensure that every child has the nourishment they need to grow.”

Quiñon, meanwhile, said the convention highlighted the critical role of the BNS in implementing a nutrition program guided by the new cycle of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition.

“Your role as Barangay Nutrition Scholars is pivotal in driving the success of our nutrition programs. You are the front-liners in our fight against malnutrition, and your actions directly impact the lives of those you serve,” she said in her message.

Presidential Decree 1569, signed in 1979, mandates at least one volunteer stationed in each barangay to monitor the nutritional status of children and other nutritionally-vulnerable populations and connect them to service providers who may help them. (PNA)