Experiences in Institutionalizing the Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI)of Bicol University, Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines

The Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI), implemented by Bicol University (BU) since 1987, has emerged as a significant response to the complex issue of malnutrition in the region. Initially introduced by the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), BIDANI has demonstrated its ability to address the challenges of poverty, food security, social deprivation, and underdevelopment. BU established the BIDANI Regional Network in Region V, forging collaborations with state universities and colleges, local government units, and government agencies. BIDANI has extended to numerous barangays, municipalities, and provinces through these partnerships. This paper describes the experiences and challenges of BU in institutionalizing BIDANI through documentary analysis and key informant interviews. It explains how BIDANI has transitioned from a mere program to a comprehensive approach and strategy for community development, yielding tangible benefits in the localities it serves. With BIDANI's impact beyond the immediate sphere of nutrition improvement, it is recommended that BIDANI be institutionalized as a flagship program among higher education institutions, calling for the support and recognition of policymakers, local chief executives, and other stakeholders who acknowledge the program's importance and its potential to drive sustainable community development.