BAGUIO CITY (PIA) –The Department of Health and the National Nutrition Council call  for a “whole – of – nation approach” in ensuring an improved nutrition status for the Cordillera people especially among children, pregnant women, elderly and immune-compromised individuals.  

The DOH – CAR and NNC – CAR on Thursday (July 7) led the launching of the regional observance of National Nutrition Month with a motorcade, opening program, a Kapihan Media Forum and a cooking demonstration of nutritious recipes using Cordillera indigenous food products.

NNC – CAR OIC Regional Nutrition Coordinator Bella Basalong outlined that this year’s National Nutrition Month adopts the theme, “New Normal na Nutrisyon, Sama – samang gawan ng Solusyon” as a call for strengthened nutrition interventions and solidarity towards nutrition improvement as the country adapts to life with the COVID – 19.

“Nutrition was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdowns and the restrictions we experienced yielded consequences to nutrition, both positive and negative. Now as we move forward to a better new normal, we call on the various stakeholders to be involved, take action and support the Philippine Plan of Action on Nutrition,” Basalong said.

DOH – CAR Assistant Regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, in her inspirational message, also calls for a united front in advocating for good nutrition as she outlined its importance of good nutrition in boosting the immune system which is very important protecting oneself from any virus or illness including COVID – 19 especially when a person is unvaccinated.

“Good health starts with good nutrition. This is such a simple concept that we may all be aware of, yet it seems to be easily taken for granted by many. To make things worse, the ongoing pandemic not only exacerbated the hunger crisis especially in impoverished areas in our country, but has also hampered the delivery of our nutrition services, unfortunately affecting the outcomes of our nutritional goals,” Pangilinan stressed.

“Proper nutrition is a right, not a privilege. It is, therefore, our duty as lead advocates for nutrition to constantly work towards ensuring that all Cordillerans understand the difference between being well-fed and being well-nourished, as well as empower them to take action and make the necessary changes in their diet and lifestyle for their health and well being,” she added.

Pangilinan, in the said program, also led the oath and signing of pledge of commitment to uplift the nutritional well-being of all Filipinos through the promotion of proper diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle, as well as to participate and advocate the “move more, eat right” behavioral campaign for a healthy Philippines. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)