CEBU CITY—The National Nutrition Council (NNC)-Region 7 joined the entire nation in celebrating and launching the 50th Nutrition Month, starting July 1 at the SM Seaside City Cebu with the theme, “Sa PPAN Sama-sama sa Nutrsyong Sapat Para sa Lahat.”
In Central Visayas, the 2024 Nutrition Month celebration is a platform to catalyze actions to popularize PPAN 2023-2028 to the 30% of Barangay Local Government Units and 70% of 31 regional line agencies within the month.
Members of the Regional Nutrition Council took turns to address and inspire everyone to be mindful of healthy nutrition and lifestyle as contained in the Philippine Plan of Action in Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028 which is the focus of this year’s 50th Nutrition Month.
Speakers messages centered around addressing malnutrition through multi-sectoral approaches, including government, civil society, and the private sector.
Rino Dominic Cabungcal of the Department of Science & Technology (DOST7) emphasized the need for policy reforms, improved access to healthy diets, and capacity building of health workers. It was also suggested that measures such as taxation of junk food and labeling of unhealthy products to promote healthier choices.
The Department of Health (DOH7) notes on the importance of leadership activities, financial literacy, and physical activity in promoting healthy habits.
Part of the launching is the turnover of stickers to SUN business members mobilizing 80% SUN network members to take action to contribute to the achievement of PPAN and RPAN objectives.
Entertaining the participants of the 50th Nutrition Month launching was the presentation of the various nutrition councils in Central Visayas PPAN 2023-2028 Nutri Jingle Contest.
Nutrition and health initiatives in the Philippines
“Every July of every year, the President declares the month as Nutrition Month aiming to promote healthy habits among Filipinos. It also highlights 70% mobilization of regional agencies for malnutrition initiatives,” NNC-7 regional nutrition coordinator, Parolita Mission said.
Mission added that the Nutrition Month celebration also advocates for nutrition security and healthy living through policy changes and education and encouraging heads of national government agencies direct integration of nutrition interventions in policies and programs.
Mission also stressed on the need for collective action to improve nutrition awareness and security in the Philippines. She highlighted the importance of promoting healthier diets, encouraging better practices and enhancing access to quality nutrition services and collective efforts for better nutrition in the Philippines.