45th Nutrition Month launched in Tacloban

By JACK C. GADAINGAN
July 24, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – Around 200 nutrition stakeholders in Eastern Visayas literally walk-the-talk as directed by the 45th Nutrition Month theme, “Kumain nang Wasto at Maging Aktibo…Push Natin ‘to!” by braving a slight drizzle to embark on an early morning Walkathon of approximately five kilometers in order to revel the regional launching of this year’s Nutrition Month on July 5, 2019 at the capitol grounds, here.

This rain and sweat drenching warm up was followed by another 30-minute session of Zumba prior to the unfolding of the more cerebral slanted activities.

Dr. Catalino P. Dotollo Jr., Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (RNPC) of National Nutrition Council Region VIII (NNC-8), in his opening message, said this year’s Nutrition Month theme focuses on two viable: Kumain ng wasto – which is healthy diet, and Maging Aktibo – that is encouraging increased physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Push Natin ‘to! because we would want to pursue this activity beyond July and even 2019, he said.

In Kumain ng Wasto, Dotollo explained to eat balanced food particularly a variety from the three basic food groups Go, Grow and Glow – referring to Pinggang Pinoy where the Glow composes 50%, and Go and Grow another 50% of the whole meal; in Maging Aktibo, to engage more in physical activity and not just be sitting (idle). The RNPC cited recent studies baring trend of non-communicable diseases getting higher in the country and even in Region 8, particularly on cases of obesity and overweight. He recommended home gardening as a productive way to being active.

Leyte Gov. Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, in a message delivered by former Vice Gov. Nestor “Gangang” Villasin, paid tribute to the local government officials who, despite the insufficient resources, are still able to provide their constituents with the best possible nutritional care. I want to congratulate you for your innovative health and nutrition programs, he said.

Regional Director Minerva P. Molon, Department of Health Region VIII (DoH-8), said this year’s Nutrition Month theme is just fitting, because as we journey to fight our battle in addressing double-burden-malnutrition in the region, data shows that while we are making progress in reducing under nutrition such as wasting and stunting, overweight and obesity is also increasing across all ages, and majority of our adults are physically inactive!

A press conference initiated by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in coordination with NNC-8 media-group partner Harmonized Initiative of Media for the Spread of Good Nutrition in Region 8 (HIMSoG-8) followed the thematic talks.

The launching program was capped with a “Nutrimizing Race,” that was participated per-agency and nutrition-stakeholder groups present.

Meanwhile, it was learned that the four FM radio stations established by the NNC in Eastern Visayas have conducted a simultaneous “Nutri Eskwela Radio Program – Nutrition Month Launching” on July 1, 2019. These are the Radyo Kabulig based in San Policarpo town and Radyo Kauswagan based in Borongan City both in Eastern Samar province, and Radyo Kasugbong in Catubig, Northern Samar and Radyo Kausbawan based in Palompon, Leyte.