Central Visayas kicks off Nutrition Month 2026 in Mandaue today

CEBU, Philippines — The National Nutrition Council in Central Visayas (NNC-7), together with its partner agencies, will officially launch the 52nd Regional Nutrition Month celebration on Sunday, July 5, at the Mandaue City Sports Complex with the “Run for Roots” activity.

The regional kickoff carries this year’s national theme, “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat, Para sa Lahat!” and the sub-theme, “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!”, highlighting the close relationship between nutrition, food security, and environmental sustainability.

The event is part of the nationwide observance of Nutrition Month, which was officially launched by the NNC in partnership with the City Government of Dumaguete on July 1 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. The national celebration brought together government agencies, local government units, private institutions, and the academe in a unified effort to strengthen food security and promote sustainable food systems.

This year’s campaign emphasizes that nutrition is closely linked to the environment, that food systems have a direct impact on natural resources, and that collective action is necessary to ensure adequate nutrition for all Filipinos. It also encourages individuals, communities, government agencies, schools, and the private sector to adopt sustainable diets, reduce food waste, support local farmers, establish home and community gardens, and advocate for climate-responsive nutrition policies.

In a recent press conference, Dr. Niño Archie Labordo, regional nutrition program coordinator of NNC-7, said this year’s sub-theme underscores the importance of protecting the environment as the foundation of a healthy and sustainable food supply.

Labordo explained that safeguarding natural resources is essential because they provide the food needed to maintain good nutrition and overall health.

He also stressed the need to strengthen the country’s food system to ensure that nutritious food remains available and accessible to Filipino families despite challenges posed by climate change and other disruptions.

Representing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7), Joan Joyce Rosana Canoy-Calleno emphasized that environmental conservation and nutrition are closely interconnected.

She noted that healthy and fertile ecosystems are necessary to produce nutritious food, making environmental protection a key component of ensuring food security.

Meanwhile, Office of Civil Defense in Central Visayas (OCD-7) Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Ver Neil Balaba reaffirmed the agency’s support for the government’s nutrition initiatives.

Balaba said proper nutrition contributes to healthier and more disaster-resilient communities, adding that good health enables families to better cope with emergencies and disasters.

Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) Nutritionist-Dietitian IV Fredric Carl Te emphasized that addressing malnutrition should go beyond compliance with government programs and instead focus on achieving the shared goal of producing healthy and productive citizens through stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

For its part, Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) Nutritionist-Dietitian III Ma. Romilene Padilla said the agency will continue supporting nutrition initiatives throughout the year through its various community-based programs.

Padilla underscored that proper nutrition should become a daily practice in every household and community, rather than being observed only during the annual Nutrition Month celebration. — (FREEMAN)