Sustain leadership, innovation

CEBU, Philippines — Central Visayas’ nutrition champions were urged to sustain their leadership and innovation in addressing malnutrition while integrating environmental protection and sustainable food practices into their programs.

National Nutrition Council-7 Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Dr. Nino Archie Labordo made the call during the media presentation of the awardees of the 2026 Grand Nutrition Awards, where he recognized the efforts of local government units (LGUs), local nutrition focal persons, barangay nutrition scholars and other partners in improving nutrition outcomes across the region.

Speaking on behalf of the Central Visayas Regional Nutrition Committee headed by Department of Health-7 Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes, Labordo said the awardees represent communities that have invested in nutrition and developed innovative approaches to reach families and address malnutrition.

“Behind every award we present is a story worth telling,” Labordo said, emphasizing that the recognition reflects the collective efforts of LGUs, frontline nutrition workers and communities in turning nutrition plans into concrete results.

He particularly cited the regional outstanding local nutrition focal persons and Bohol, which he described as a consistent regional outstanding winner in nutrition.

Labordo said Bohol’s achievements show that excellence in nutrition governance cannot be achieved overnight but requires consistency, accountability and determination to sustain gains year after year.

He also underscored the role of the media in bringing nutrition concerns closer to the public.

While nutrition data and programs may appear technical, Labordo said the figures represent real people and communities whose experiences can inspire others.

Wider media coverage, he said, can give greater visibility to the accomplishments of nutrition champions while keeping nutrition concerns that require public attention and action in the public conversation.

Rigorous evaluation

Meanwhile, Dr. Van Baton of the DOH Central Visayas Center for Health Development congratulated the 2026 Grand Nutrition Awards winners, noting that the awardees underwent rigorous evaluation and demonstrated measurable accomplishments in addressing malnutrition.

Baton also commended the province for recognizing the achievements of its LGUs and providing adequate funding for its provincial nutrition program.

He stressed that addressing malnutrition requires collaboration because nutrition is a community, regional and national concern that cannot be solved by one area alone.

Baton also welcomed the participation of awardees from Negros Oriental, which was formerly part of Central Visayas before the creation of the Negros Island Region.

“Whether we are one region or we are now two separate regions, the bonds between Central Visayas and our former part coming from Negros Oriental really is quite strong,” Baton said.

He noted that nutrition programs and interventions remain interconnected despite the regional division, particularly in protecting children and other vulnerable populations from malnutrition.

Baton urged the awardees to build on their accomplishments and continue pursuing better nutrition outcomes.

“I hope that dili kamo mo-stop with your current laurels but progress more,” he said.

For her part, Department of Agriculture-7 Regional Executive Director Angel C. Enriquez called on nutrition champions to incorporate environmental protection and sustainable food practices into local nutrition programs.

Enriquez said good nutrition is closely linked to a healthy environment, noting that clean water, healthy soil and a stable climate contribute to food and nutrition security.

“With every child receiving better nourishment, a mother being empowered from their pregnancy period to the rearing of their children, and every community you have touched, you deserve to be applauded,” Enriquez said.

She noted that this year’s Nutrition Month theme, “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!” and campaign slogan, “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!” highlight the connection between nutrition and environmental sustainability.

Enriquez described the relationship between nature and nutrition as an “infinite cycle,” stressing that caring for the environment helps ensure better nutrition for communities.

She encouraged nutrition workers to promote local and seasonal produce, establish home and community gardens, encourage plant-forward meals guided by Pinggang Pinoy, reduce single-use plastics in feeding and supplementation activities, properly manage food waste and establish composting systems.

She also urged nutrition workers to coordinate with local environment and agriculture offices in addressing the effects of climate change and ecosystem degradation on food production and malnutrition.

Enriquez assured nutrition advocates that DA-7 would support these initiatives by linking communities with farmers and farmer associations, providing training on backyard and community gardening, and extending agricultural inputs such as seeds, seedlings, gardening tools and equipment.

She cited programs such as Gulayan sa Bayan, Gulayan sa Barangay and Gulayan sa Paaralan, as well as the regional “Tugkarana Ko, Tamnan Ko” initiative, which encourages urban and rural residents to grow their own food.

The initiative, she said, can strengthen food security and self-reliance while helping address malnutrition.

Enriquez also reaffirmed DA-7’s support for the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition and the Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition, particularly Pillar 1 on healthy diets.

“Nutrition begins with nature, and nourishing the planet is the only way to nourish ourselves,” Enriquez said.

“Kauban ko ninyo sa pag-atiman sa nutrisyon ug sa kinaiyahan,” she added.

Labordo, meanwhile, thanked media partners for their continued support in promoting nutrition and congratulated the recipients of the 2026 Grand Nutrition Awards.

He expressed hope that the stories of Central Visayas’ nutrition champions would inspire more communities and local governments to make nutrition a sustained priority. — (FREEMAN)