ILOILO — With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) emerging earlier among Ilonggos, Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque has called on the province’s 1,300 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) to intensify health promotion efforts and preventive-care advocacy across communities.
Speaking at the opening of the 3rd BNS Convention 2025 on Monday, Nov. 24, Debuque stressed that the growing trend of young people developing lifestyle-related illnesses demands stronger, more persistent grassroots interventions.
“I’m sure nagakakapoy kamo sang liwat-liwat libot sa barangay but it is necessary, indi bala. We are doing well every year. Makita sa aton score card. We are doing well sa health promotion, we are doing well sa treatment naton nga programs. Ano pa ang kulang pa nga kinahanglang buroligan? Amo na ang preventive care indi bala?” she said. “Ti, preventive care ni ang promotion ilabi na sa aton pamatan-on because we can see from our data nga nagabata nga nagabata ang aton kasimanwa nga naga-develop sang non-communicable diseases.”
Debuque urged BNS workers to continue reminding families — especially parents — about healthy eating habits, noting that early prevention can avert sickness once children enter school.
She emphasized that quality healthcare does not start in hospitals, but in daily habits and proper sanitation practices that BNS volunteers tirelessly promote.
“Basta angut sa ikaayong lawas i-promote gid naton because data shows that health status, health consciousness of Ilonggos are improving every year,” Debuque added.
The vice governor also thanked the BNS for their “volunteerism” and commitment, calling them the province’s frontline partners in carrying out health initiatives.
“Nagapasalamat gid ako sa aton mga BNS, thank you gid sa maukod kag mapisan kag maayo ngaa panerbisyo,” she said, assuring them that as vice governor, she will support the Iloilo Provincial Health Office’s requests for health programs before the 15th Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon likewise underscored the indispensable role of BNS workers in achieving a malnutrition-free Iloilo.
“You are special because you carry the weight of your communities’ health with grace and courage. You are special because every child you weigh, every mother you guide, every family you comfort becomes stronger because of you,” Quiñon said./PN
