Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines | February 7, 2026 — South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots workers by ordering the timely release of honoraria for Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) throughout the province.
Guided by his directive to “give what is due to our grassroots and all government employees,” Governor Tamayo instructed the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO)–Nutrition Program to release the BNS honorarium for the fourth quarter of 2025.
Community Affairs Officer Angela Frugalidad said the province allotted ₱537,000 for the honorarium, separate from the national budget.
“The program benefited 316 Barangay Nutrition Scholars from 11 local government units, with Koronadal City, T’boli, Lake Sebu, and Polomolok posting the highest number of recipients,” she said.
Through a partnership between the provincial government and the National Nutrition Council (NNC), each qualified BNS received a total of ₱3,300—₱2,100 from the provincial government and ₱1,200 from the NNC.
Distribution took place from February 4 to 11, 2026, covering Sto. Niño, Lake Sebu, Tantangan, Banga, Tupi, Polomolok, Surallah, Norala, Tampakan, and Koronadal City.
Meanwhile, Barangay Nutrition Scholar Cherryl T. Gabales of Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, shared that the honorarium provided meaningful support to her family despite the challenges of farming as their primary livelihood.
“Kong Sadto nabudlayan kami, ako mag survey sa amon lugar bangud sa mga dalan sa Barangay Ned , Subong Hindi na kay amat amat ok na ang dalan sa amon, “ Gabales said.
Serving as a BNS for ten years, Gabales observed significant improvements in road accessibility, which made community surveys more efficient.
She also emphasized how she balances her responsibilities as a mother, wife, and public servant, using the honorarium to help fund her children’s education in Koronadal City.
On the other hand, Liwaya C. Dubla of Barangay Luhib, Lake Sebu, who recently advanced from Provincial Family Health Navigator to BNS, said the position strengthened her confidence and expanded her understanding of graservice, service—one of the key priorities of the Tamayo administration.
‘’Ang naibulig sini sa akon is ma boost ang akon self-confidence kag makabulig man sa akon pamilya, Madamo gid nga salamat sa Programa,” Dubla stressed.
In addition to the honorarium, the PSWDO–Nutrition Program facilitated the release of BNS traveling allowances from the NNC for ten municipalities, reinforcing the provincial government’s sustained support for frontline nutrition workers.
