July is Nutrition Month celebration entire the Philippines. Done since 1974 by virtue of Presidential Decree 491, the month long event aims to enhance awareness on the importance of proper nutrition. This year’s theme as crafted by the National Nutrition Council (NNC), is “Healthy Diet, Gawing Affordable for All” which focuses on enabling Filipinos to have greater access to healthy, safe and affordable food. Local government units (LGUs), schools and agencies are enjoined to organize events to get as many as possible informed and/or participate.
The Nutritionist-Dietitians’ Association of the Philippines – Baguio Benguet Chapter (NDAP-BBC) does its share by remaining true to serving the profession to the fullest. One way is keeping its members abreast especially of nutrition topics that matter most at given times. The NDAP-BBC somehow sets the tone for the celebration by annually conducting the Pre-Nutrition Month Seminar (PNMS) every June with the end view of providing insights and greater motivation to members as they prepare to spearhead the Nutrition Month Celebration in their respective communities or workplaces. It is this time of the year when most nutritionist-dietitians become most visible serving in various capacities from organizer to resource person or speaker, member of the Board of Judges in cooking events, Weight Loss Challenge and other nutrition and health initiatives.
Held at Hotel Veniz on June 23, 2023, this year’s PNMS was attended by Nutritionist-Dietitians from all over the Cordillera Administrative Region and neighboring provinces. It kicked off with a presentation of this year’s nutrition month theme talking points by no less than Ms. Bella Basalong, the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of the National Nutrition Council – CAR and former president of the NDAP-BBC. Dr. Kimberlee Valera, Medical Officer IV at the BGHMC then emphasized on management of critically ill adults while her colleague, Dr. Arlee Balderas talked on pediatric kidney disease management. Cutting across all fields, Dr. Maria Theresa Talavera, Professor VII at the University of the Philippines Los Banos dealt with Econutrition while Dr. Leila Mary Ayban of Benguet State University tackled Edible Landscaping. The day ended with Emotional Intelligence and Leadership by a psychology expert, Mr. Raymundo Pawid of Benguet State University. Excerpts from the discussions shall be shared in future articles.
Good health never comes without good nutrition. The effects of what we eat and do everyday are cumulative and there is no better investment but good health at the least. The adage “enjoy now and sacrifice later OR sacrifice now and enjoy later” also applies to our food and other lifestyle and illness. Get informed! Know your reliable source of information. Ask your barangay/municipality or agency about the celebration.
(The NDAP-BBC is an organization of licensed nutritionist-dietitians. The current president is Ms. Candice Salingbay, ND IV at the DOH-CAR.)