ILOILO — Declaring “No child should go hungry. Not on our watch. Not in our province,” the Iloilo Provincial Government kicked off its 2025 Nutrition Month celebration on July 7 with a call to action to address malnutrition, hunger, and food insecurity through province-wide community engagement and support for farmers and fisherfolk.
Spearheaded by the Iloilo Provincial Nutrition Committee and anchored on the theme “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!” the event marked the start of month-long activities promoting the right to food and nutrition as a central component of the province’s social justice agenda. The subtheme, “Food and Nutrition Security, Managing Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!” underscores the urgent need to ensure access to safe, adequate, and nutritious food for all Ilonggos.
“This is a moral and social responsibility,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office. “Behind every statistic is a child, a future, a dream worth fighting for. By ensuring that there is enough nutritious food on every table, we take a firm stand against malnutrition.”
Held at the Capitol lobby, the launch featured an oath-taking ceremony for the new officers of the Provincial Nutrition Volunteers of Iloilo, Inc. (2025–2026), a community Zumba activity, and the opening of KADIWA Pop-Up Stores offering fresh produce and local goods.
Additional health services such as medical and dental checkups, massage therapy, and a budget-friendly “Healthy Salad Sale” were provided to attendees.
Dr. Quiñon also called for greater support for food producers: “Let us support our farmers and fisherfolk—the lifeblood of our food system—so they may be empowered to produce more, earn better, and live with dignity. When we uplift them, we secure the foundation of food security in every household.”
National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 6 officer-in-charge Sheryl Sedantes emphasized the importance of collective effort in ensuring food and nutrition security, noting that it requires the involvement of government, civil society, the academe, and individuals alike.
“Malnutrition is still a threat to our children’s future—from wasting and stunting to obesity and vitamin deficiencies,” she said. “There are still children who go to school hungry and mothers who struggle to provide three meals a day. Let us not look away.”
Vice Gov. Nathalie “Lee-Ann” Debuque rallied the public to take the celebration as a moment of commitment: “This month, let’s build healthy habits and advocate for better nutrition. Let’s make it everyone’s business to ensure nutrisyong sapat para sa lahat.”
The celebration coincides with simultaneous nutrition initiatives by Local Government Units (LGUs) across Iloilo province, in line with the Nutrition Act of the Philippines mandating an annual nationwide campaign on health and nutrition awareness.
“Remember this,” Quiñon concluded. “When we nourish our land, support our farmers, and care for our children, we nourish the future of Iloilo.”/PN
