VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The National Nutrition Council (NNC) in Ilocos Region, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development I (DOH-CHD-1), and the provincial government of Ilocos Sur, through the Provincial Nutrition Action Office, joined hands to campaign against malnutrition through the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).
This was emphasized during the regional launch of the 50th Nutrition Month celebration of the Ilocos Region and the province held on July 9 at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center in this city.
“Sa PPAN, sama-sama sa nutrisyong sapat para sa lahat!” as this year’s theme calls on collective action towards nutrition through the use of PPAN—the strategic and multisectoral plan and guide to address malnutrition and nutrition security in the country.
“We unify to foster our campaign for right and just nutrition for everyone; ating isulong ang nutrisyong sapat para sa lahat as one region,” Governor Jeremias Singson said.
(We unify to foster our campaign for right and just nutrition for everyone; let’s promote adequate nutrition for all as one region.)
He mentioned that a healthy, safe, and diverse citizenry is one of the ingredients of the administration’s framework, the One Ilocos Sur 10-Point Agenda, which provides a complete course of action to nourish the holistic health of their constituents.
DOH-CHD-1 Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco said, “In this world of inequities, as well as disparity, it is imperative that we come together as a community to ensure that no one goes hungry, no one suffers from malnutrition, and no one is deprived of the essential nutrition needed for a healthy and vibrant life.”
Sydiongco said the PPAN serves as a roadmap for achieving this cause; however, achieving nutrition security is not a task for a few; it requires the collective effort of the government, civil society, the private sector, and each and every individual.
“We just work hand in hand, uniting our strength and resources to combat hunger and malnutrition and promote a sustainable food system,” said Sydiongco.
Moreover, Kendall Gatan, officer-in-charge of NNC-Region 1, explained, “The target of PPAN is to lower malnutrition, child stunting, overweight, and obesity quicker; so we can only do this if we all come together, not only the government but also the different sectors such as academe, business, non-government organizations, even the youth, and farmers.”
During the launch, a “Kadiwa ng Pangulo,” which offered affordable local products and farm produce closer to consumers, was simultaneously conducted.
Along with this, the participants, mostly Nutrition Action Officers, engaged in a Zumba Party, while teenagers from different towns in the province took on the challenge of crafting nutritious and inexpensive dishes during a cookfest.
Services such as nutrition counseling courtesy of the Nutritionist-Dietician Association of the Philippines-Ilocos Chapter, medical services from the Provincial Health Office, and height board calibration by the Provincial Science and Technology Office were also provided during the kick-off activity.
Nutrition Month is observed every July in the Philippines.
It encourages Filipinos across the country to consume healthier foods and have a well-balanced diet while raising awareness of the importance of nutrition. (AMB/ATV/PIA Ilocos Sur)
