“Ang malusog na siyudad ay nagsisimula sa malusog na pamilya (A healthy city starts with a healthy family).” 

This is what Dr. Nilda del Rosario of San Miguel Health Center emphasized in her opening remarks during the Simultaneous Promotional Events on the Nutrition Month Theme “Usapang Nutrisyon sa Barangay: Healthy diet, gawing affordable for all!” in Pasig City last July 21, 2023.

On July 21, 2023, a significant event in the National Capital Region (NCR) showcased the power of grassroots communication in transforming nutrition for the better. As part of the National Nutrition Month celebration, 17 Local Government Units (LGUs) in NCR joined forces to promote "Usapang Nutrisyon sa Barangay" simultaneously.

The event was participated by 30 mother beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pilipinong Pamilya Program - NCR (4Ps), who engaged in discussions, educational lectures, and interactive activities centered on nutrition and health.

The "Usapang Nutrisyon sa Barangay" event proved to be a resounding triumph, and its accomplishment can be attributed to a delightful mix of essential ingredients:

• Rooted in the Community: At the heart of its success was the powerful element of grassroots communication. The event showcased the potency of relaying vital nutrition and health information directly within the community. The 4Ps mothers, the event's focal audience, embraced the message wholeheartedly, as the community's closeness fosters a sense of personal responsibility and ownership.
  
• The Magic of Collaboration: Like the symphony of flavors in a delightful dish, the event saw an exquisite ensemble of 17 LGUs coming together to address nutrition-related challenges in the NCR region. This harmonious collaboration magnified the impact of their programs and optimally utilized available resources, touching the lives of more people.
  
• A harmonious blend of government agencies and organizations, led by the National Nutrition Council - NCR in partnership with the Metro Manila Association of Barangay Nutrition Action Officers, Bureau of Plant Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – NCR, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program – Department of Social Welfare and Development – NCR, joined hands to create the feast of success.

• Empowering Mothers, the Culinary Wizards: Recognizing the pivotal role mothers play in their families' well-being, the event empowered them with the knowledge and tools they needed to create wholesome meals for their loved ones. This nourishing insight promised a lasting impact on family health and happiness.
• The Flavorful Fun of Interaction: Learning about nutrition was a flavorful adventure, with interactive activities like the "Pinggang Pinoy" game that challenged participants to craft a well-balanced plate for their families. Through play and practice, participants embraced the essence of healthy eating, leaving a taste for lifelong nourishment.

The triumph of "Usapang Nutrisyon sa Barangay" sets a delectable example for other localities and regions to savor. As more LGUs, civic organizations, and stakeholders embrace the art of grassroots communication, they will awaken palates, cultivate healthier eating habits, and sow the seeds of a thriving, nourished nation for generations to come. (PIA-NCR)