Of the nine (9) provincial/city nutri quiz winners and regional finalists, Ms. Syra L. Panoy, a barangay nutrition scholar (BNS) of San Agustin, Iriga City emerged as the 2013 DOST – NUTRICOMNET Regional Nutri Quiz Year 5 Champion in partnership with the Bicol Consortium Health Research and Development (BCHRD). BNSes Marissa M. Aguilar of Tibgao, Canaman, Camarines Sur and Margarita B. Divinaflor of Basag, Ligao City are the 1st and 2nd Runners-up, respectively. It was a consistent lead for Ms. Panoy while tie-breaking questions were administered for Aguilar and Divinaflor. After the sixth tie-breaking question (sudden death), Aguilar won as 1st Runner-up and Divinaflor as 2nd Runner-up in the said Regional Nutri Quiz. This Regional Activity was held last 19 December 2013 at the Bicol University College of Nursing Function Hall, Legazpi City.
As regional champion, BNS Panoy was awarded P 5,000, and BNS Aguilar 1st Runner-up with P 3,000 and BNS Divinaflor, 2nd Runner-up had P 2,000. All regional participants received a consolation prize of P 1, 000 each.
The Board of Judges was chaired by Ms. Arlene R. Reario, Nutrition Program Coordinator (NPC), National Nutrition Council (NNC) Bicol, together with Ms. Aida A. Naz, OIC-Regional Director, Philippine Information Agency (PIA V)/Chair, NUTRICOMNET, Dr. Rafaelita O. Lucena, Regional NUTRICOMNET Coordinator, Department of Science and Technology (DOST V), Ms. Myrna P. Rayala, Nurse II, Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) and Ms. Anneli Alejo, Planning Officer, Commission on Population (POPCOM V) as members.
Now on its 5th year, the Regional Nutri Quiz is an initiative of the Nutrition Communication Network (NUTRICOMNET) Bicol, a DOST V-led S&T network composed of health and nutrition program planners/implementers and information officers from national government agencies and private organizations, and media partners. Every year this activity is spearheaded by DOST V headed by Dir. Tomas B. Briñas, Regional Director and the DOH V Family headed by Dr. Gloria J. Balboa, Regional Director, DOH-CHD Bicol, Ms. Arlene R. Reario, NPC, NNC Bicol and Ms. Magdalena G. Abellera, Regional Director, POPCOM V. Its main objective is to continuously promote awareness on good health and proper nutrition especially among barangay residents with the BNSes and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) actively involved in the implementation of health and nutrition programs in the region. (Dr. P.O. Lucena, DOST V).
