Koronadal City, South Cotabato | September 15, 2025—-South Cotabato is raising the bar in nutrition governance with plans to provide TESDA-accredited NC II training for Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and to institutionalize nutrition efforts by creating full personnel within the province.
Angela B. Frugalidad, Community Affairs Officer IV, said these two measures will professionalize grassroots nutrition work and ensure more sustained provincial investment in health and nutrition.
“These steps will not only empower our Barangay Nutrition Scholars but also institutionalize our commitment to fight malnutrition,” Frugalidad said.
She said by creating a division, the province ensures that nutrition becomes a priority in local governance, with stronger capacity and accountability.
The province leveled up its nutrition initiatives after a fruitful Learning Experience Visit held from September 9 to 12, 2025, to Maco, Davao de Oro and Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.
In Maco, the team discovered an innovative Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) program that offers TESDA-accredited National Certificate II training, empowering local nutrition workers with skills and computer literacy. A standout feature was Maco’s ₱5-million Mobile Kitchen—an LGU-funded vehicle designed to support nutrition programs and emergency responses during disasters.
Tandag City impressed the visitors with its well-established nutrition office staffed by 11 employees and supported by 37 Barangay Nutrition Scholars. The city’s proactive approach includes yearly budget increases for BNS and absorption of 16 Civil Service passers into permanent roles. Each barangay contributes ₱100,000 to sustain supplemental feeding and micronutrient supplementation, with schools also providing iron supplements.
Frugalidad praised Tandag’s innovative use of its ₱100,000 Sustenance Award to purchase a portable digital whale scale, enhancing nutrition monitoring and service delivery.
“These best practices are shining examples that South Cotabato can adopt to strengthen our own nutrition programs,” said Frugalidad. “With strong support from our local leaders and continued determination, we can make a real difference in the health and well-being of our communities.”
Since 2016, the province has pursued learning visits to strengthen its nutrition strategies. This latest initiative signals a major leap forward in building sustainable, community-centered nutrition services for the people of South Cotabato.
