The University of the Philippines Visayas College of Arts and Sciences Community Outreach Program–Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (UPV CAS COP-BIDANI) strengthened its partnership with the Municipality of Igbaras during a joint meeting of the Municipal Health Board (MHB) and Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC) held last 29 June 2026 at the Mayor’s Office Conference Room.
The meeting provided a platform for discussing collaborative initiatives aimed at improving health and nutrition programs in the municipality through evidence-based planning, participatory development, and barangay-level empowerment.
During the discussion, UPV CAS COP-BIDANI presented the core strategies of the BIDANI Program and emphasized their relevance to the municipality’s continuing efforts to address nutrition and community development concerns.
Asst. Prof. Czarinnah G. Araneta, MA, introduced the three major BIDANI strategies: the Barangay Management Information System (BMIS), a barangay-based data system for situational analysis and program planning; the Participative Nutrition Enhancement Approach (PNEA), a community-based strategy that addresses malnutrition through life-cycle interventions, livelihood support, and stakeholder participation; and the Barangay Integrated Development Approach (BIDA), which promotes awareness, community participation, and capacity-building among local leaders and development actors.
These strategies highlight the importance of using reliable local data, engaging communities in nutrition-related interventions, and strengthening the capacity of barangay leaders and stakeholders to implement responsive and sustainable development programs.
Through these approaches, BIDANI supports local government units and barangays in developing programs that are grounded in community needs and guided by participatory planning and evidence-based decision-making.
Furthermore, Ms. Elna Mariel M. Nanta-Dioso, University Extension Associate, also presented the Community Outreach Program and discussed how UPV CAS COP-BIDANI can further contribute to strengthening health and nutrition initiatives in Igbaras.
Following the presentations and discussions, the body agreed to formulate a resolution adopting the BIDANI Program for the entire Municipality of Igbaras. The proposed adoption marks a significant step toward institutionalizing a data-driven, participatory, and community-centered approach to nutrition improvement and local development.
For UPV CAS COP-BIDANI, the partnership reflects its continuing commitment to working with local government units, barangays, and community stakeholders in promoting sustainable development, improving nutrition outcomes, and empowering communities through research-based extension work.
UPV CAS COP-BIDANI looks forward to working hand in hand with the Municipality of Igbaras, barangay officials, health workers, nutrition scholars, and community partners in advancing a healthier and nutritionally secure municipality.
Written by Gwen P. Alejandria and Jessica P. Lumabit (with guidance from Mr. Prabhat Ranjan B. Ubas, Community Outreach Program – BIDANI)
Photo Credits: Municipality of Igbaras FB Page
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