Workplaces encouraged to promote nutrition

CEBU, Philippines — As the National Nutrition Council (NNC) commemorates the 50th Nutrition Month this July, it is encouraging owners, administrators, and managers of workplaces to conduct Nutrition Month activities in the workplace to improve nutrition literacy among employees, provide breaks from long hours of sedentary work, and promote physical activity.

This as the NNC-7 conducted a regional launching held at SM Seaside City participated by various local government units, government employees, the academe, and other stakeholders to achieve their goal of ensuring adequate nutrition for all Filipinos.

Rino Dominic Cabungcal, science research specialist of the Department of Science and Technology-7 also called on legislators to support the passage of priority legislation on nutrition including strengthening of the NNS secretariat, barangay nutrition program, deployment of barangay nutrition scholars, protection of children from harmful marketing of foods and beverages with high levels of nutrients of concern, and taxation of junk food.

Local chief executives were called to approve and implement local nutrition action plans aligned with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028 and ensure inclusion of budget in the annual investment plan and provide for a nutrition office with full staff.

Heads of universities, colleges, and schools were also asked to conduct Nutrition Month activities in July and beyond, identify activities to improve nutrition literacy of students, improve food environment in schools, and link students to services in the community.

The food industry was asked to reformulate food products to reduce sodium, sugar and saturated fat and eliminate trans-fatty acids, offer healthier food options and source ingredients from local farmers, while professional organizations were asked to conduct nutrition-related activities and promote sustainable healthy diets.

This year s Nutrition Month theme is  Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!

The PPAN aims to reduce all forms of malnutrition across all life stages and includes interventions that focus on healthier diets, better practices, and improved access to quality services.   (CEBU NEWS)