08/06/2026
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ณ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ
MANILA, Philippines โ Representatives from Central Luzon State University (CLSU) participated in the initial deliberation of a proposed measure seeking to institutionalize the Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) as a national linkage program among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). The hearing was conducted by the House Committee on Rural Development at the House of Representatives on May 19, 2026.
The CLSU delegation was composed of Dr. Eugenia G. Baltazar, Head of the Continuing Education Division; Ma. Concepcion O. De Vera, CLSU BIDANI Program Leader; and Fermina M. Macanas, Barangay Management Information System (BMIS) Project Leader.
The proposed bill seeks to establish a permanent framework and funding mechanism that will enable SUCs to sustain and expand community-based nutrition and rural development initiatives across the country. At CLSU, BIDANI is implemented under the Fit4Good Program of the University Extension Center (UEC), which promotes nutrition-sensitive and community-driven interventions aimed at improving the quality of life in local communities.
During the deliberation, Dr. Clarissa B. Juanico, BIDANI Program Leader and National Coordinator from University of the Philippines Los Baรฑos, presented the programโs accomplishments, contributions of participating institutions, and policy recommendations supporting its institutionalization.
CLSU joined other SUCs in expressing support for the proposed legislation, including Isabela State University, Bicol University, Visayas State University, and Central Mindanao University.
Representatives from local government units and national government agencies also attended the hearing, including Jessica Belen and Jay Beltran. Their participation highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration among academe, government institutions, and local communities in advancing nutrition improvement and rural development efforts nationwide.
The proposed institutionalization of BIDANI is expected to further enhance the role of SUCs in delivering responsive extension programs that address nutrition challenges, strengthen local governance, and contribute to sustainable community development.