The Dedication of Barangay Nutrition Scholars
A story of Nanay Tans in reaching every child
In Barangay Carangcang, Magarao, Camarines Sur, Constancia Esminda or Nay Tans as people fondly call her, stands as a light of hope. As a Barangay Nutrition Scholar or BNS, Nay Tans has dedicated over a decade of her life to improving the nutrition of mothers and young children in their barangay. “Many parents are unaware if their child is malnourished or has normal health. Every barangay needs a BNS to monitor and ensure children's well-being,” says Nay Tans. Her relentless commitment has not only earned her the role of BNS Federation President of Magarao, but also the respect and gratitude of the people she tirelessly serves.
Every barangay needs a BNS to monitor and ensure children's well-being.
Nay Tans and her fellow nutrition workers often traverse difficult paths by foot to conduct house-to-house visits. Through these visits, they’re able to continuously monitor the nutritional status of children and counsel mothers, including pregnant and lactating women, to help them make actions and take decisions to improve the nutrition of their families. "Even when it rains, we go together. Even if the paths are very steep, we still manage," shares Nay Tans.
Even when it rains, we go together. Even if the paths are very steep, we still manage.
Ensuring proper nutrition is crucial from the first day of every mother’s pregnancy to their child’s first two years. These first 1,000 days are windows of opportunity for every child’s physical and cognitive development. Public health workers like BNS ensure that the next generation starts life with a strong foundation by addressing malnutrition and educating parents and caregivers with the correct information they need to know for their children’s health. “Whenever we notice a child looking malnourished during Operation Timbang, we immediately inform the mother about the child's weight status and potential problems if the child is underweight,” says Nay Tans.
These first 1,000 days are windows of opportunity for every child’s physical and cognitive development.
Nay Tans is a passion for public health embodied. "Last year, we had seventeen pregnant women whom we cooked for daily for three months. We also provide feeding for children aged six to twenty-three months," she says. They also counsel pregnant women to get early check-ups and complete their antenatal care visits at health centers. "When the mother is malnourished, the child will be even more malnourished. Therefore, you need to get check-ups at the [health] center right from the start of your pregnancy to ensure everything is okay," Nay Tans emphasizes.
When the mother is malnourished, the child will be even more malnourished. Therefore, you need to get check-ups at the [health] center right from the start of your pregnancy to ensure everything is okay.
It is the right of every child to grow up well-nourished and with a healthy diet, regardless of circumstance. For families registered in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), they are required to grow vegetables and other healthy food crops in their yards. This ensures a steady and economical supply of nutritious foods for their children. “Even for those not in the 4Ps, we encourage them to plant vegetables in their yards," says Nay Tans.
"When you see that the Barangay is in good condition, the families are well, and the mothers are in good condition, the BNS can handle it. You no longer think about the salary. All you think about is helping," Nay Tans proudly exclaims. The role of barangay nutrition scholars like Nay Tans in promoting the health and nutrition of children and mothers in communities is like no other. Their dedication and hard work ensure a healthier future for every child.
UNICEF, through the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), is dedicated to ensuring all children receive nutritious diets, essential nutrition services, and proper care during their First 1,000 Days and beyond. With $178 million from the World Bank, the project works with local governments in 275 municipalities across Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are leading this project to provide a coordinated package of nutrition services and promote healthy habits at the household level to improve nutrition for every child.
