SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 1, with the local government unit of Bacnotan and the Department of Health (DOH) Region 1, held the 49th Nutrition Month kick-off activity in Bacnotan, La Union on July 6.

Anchored on the theme, “Healthy Diet, Gawing Affordable for All”, the annual affair aims to raise families' awareness of strategies to prevent malnutrition and the importance of a healthy diet.

In his message, Kendall Pilgrim Gatan, NNC 1 OIC Regional Program Coordinator,  encouraged everyone to participate and support nutrition advocacy with a high hope that this launching would be the start of the nutrition journey in the region.

“Ngayong buwan ng nutrisyon, nawa’y magbigay po tayo ng kaalaman sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino kung paano po ma-improve yung kanilang pagkain lalong lalo na po yung pino-promote at ina-advocate po natin ang healthy diet  at tamang nutrisyon,” said Gatan.

Meanwhile, Mayor Divina Fontanilla assured that LGU Bacnotan would fully support all nutrition programs in La Union and in  Ilocos region.

"We strive to maximize our resources and harness our potentials to give what's due for our fellow constituents particularly on the field of nutrition," said mayor Fontanilla.

Aside from a motorcade, a Zumba dance, and a program that kickstarted the month-long activity, a vegetable fresh produce booth dubbed “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita”  was also held during the day to showcase and bring safe and quality products  to constituents.

A pledge of commitment was also signed by participants including the local official and Barangay Nutirition Scholars (BNS) of Bacnotan town to support actions to enable families adopt positive nutrition and health.

Some national government agencies such as the Commission of Population and Department of Health Region 1 provided frontline services and distribute free medicines.

Also, other activities are Pagbati Challenge Season 8 on June 26 to July 28, Nutrijingle Video Contest Season 6 on July 17, KaNutri-Vlogger sa Barangay Challenge on July 18, and Virtual Awarding Ceremony on July 28.

July has been designated as Nutrition Month in the country via Presidential Decree 491 in 1974 to create greater awareness of the importance of nutrition among Filipinos. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)