MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA)--The National Nutrition Council (NNC)-10 culminated the month-long celebration of Nutrition Month on a high note as it underscored the advocacy of making a healthy diet affordable through a year-long campaign.

With the month of July being designated as the month for nutrition through Presidential Decree 491 Series of 1974, also known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, the country commemorates its 49th annual celebration with the theme "Healthy Diet Gawing Affordable to All," which aims to promote food and nutrition security, specifically affordability, and ensure the right of everyone to have access to safe and nutritious food and be free from hunger.

"We culminate the month-long nutrition month celebration, but that does not mean we will also end our advocacy here. Our advocacy on the importance and awareness of good nutrition and advocacy in making healthy diets affordable for all continues," NNC-10 Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Fernandez said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH)-10 mentioned that a healthy diet is important for achieving a functioning and well-nourished body. It also serves as the foundation for health, well-being, optimal growth, and development in all life stages in order to prevent all forms of malnutrition and the risks of noncommunicable diseases, which include heart diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

"The campaign calls for actions towards encouraging more Filipinos to support macro and micro-level efforts to reduce inefficiencies in food systems, thus making healthy diets more accessible, available, and affordable for all," DOH-10 Development Management Officer Ma.Elen Santuan said.

NNC-10 also reminds the public that keeping citizens in good health requires the cooperation of all sectors of society, including the government and private sectors, including non-government organizations. Convergence is the key to achieving the goal of making every Filipino healthy. (JAKA/PIA-10)