Ilocos norte: Some 790 barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) here have received PHP5,000 each from the provincial government as an expression of gratitude for helping improve the health and nutrition of children at the grassroots level. The distribution of the cash aid, led by Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, was completed on Monday in time for Christmas.

According to Philippines News Agency, Elma Irapta, provincial nutritionist, stated that the BNS have been instrumental in improving the health and nutrition of children through the implementation of feeding programs that also benefit lactating mothers across the province. "They are the ones responsible in picking up the goods from the municipalities and distribute it to identified malnourished children. They monitor their nutritional status before and after the feeding, conduct operation timbang (weighing), and consolidate reports from municipality to the Provincial Nutrition Action Officer," Irapta said.

Irapta further explained that the BNS also play a crucial role in the nutrition counselling of mothers with malnourished children using Pinggang Pinoy (Filipino plate), a guide on the recommended proportion of food groups in every meal. Classes for mothers under the so-called Pabasa sa Nutrition (Reading for Nutrition) Program are also being conducted by the BNS.

The Ilocos Norte government also credits BNS for the reduction in the prevalence of stunting in the province, from 8.9 percent in 2019 to 4 percent in 2024. Stunting occurs when children become smaller in height compared with healthier children of the same age, primarily due to poor nutrition.