NNC7 joins nation celebrates 50th Nutrition Month this July

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 Nutrisyong 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 percent of Barangay Local Government Units and 70 percent of 31 regional line agencies within the month.

Members of the Regional Nutrition Council here 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.

 “We encourage the public to join the regional launching activity and avail of the free nutrition services to show your support to promoting proper nutrition. Every individual has a valuable input in making sure that proper nutrition can be observed in every household which would impact the community as a whole,” NNC7 Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. Parolita Mission said.

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) noted the importance of leadership activities, financial literacy, and physical activity in promoting healthy habits.

Part of the Nutrition Month launching was the turnover of stickers to SUN business members mobilizing 80 percent of its members to take action to contribute to the achievement of PPAN and RPAN objectives.

There were other activities during the launching that included the launching of the 50^th Nutrition Month Social Media Activities, putting together the PPAN commitment puzzle, participants reciting the nutrition pledge, ceremonial milk toast and the “PPANalo Caravan: Service Fair."

Entertaining the participants of the 50th Nutrition Month launching was the presentation of the PPAN 2023-2028 Nutri Jingle Contest from various nutrition councils in Central Visayas,

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. (Photos: MBCNewman)