ILOILO — With Christmas and New Year celebrations traditionally followed by a surge in cases of diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related illnesses, the Department of Health (DOH) has rolled out its “Ligtas Christmas” campaign in Western Visayas, warning the public against excessive eating and unsafe food practices during the holidays and urging moderation.
Health officials said the campaign is grounded on years of post-holiday data showing more patients seeking medical attention in January due to complications triggered by rich and excessive festive meals.
“In Western Visayas, Christmas and New Year are widely celebrated occasions with rich feasts. However, the indulgence often results in soaring cases of diabetes and hypertension come January,” said Dr. Fritzi Ann Suzette Jeroso-Dequito, Medical Officer III and head of the Health Promotion and Communications Management Section of DOH Region 6,.
“That’s why gina-campaign gid namon nga Tamang Pagkain, Ehersisyo, at Disiplina. Be more mindful of what we are going to prepare this celebration. Kay ti syempre, ‘di naton malikawan nga madamo ang aton nga handa, damo kita sang gina-share nga pagkaon. Pero panumdumon man naton ang aton nga overall health, especially sa may ara na nga daan gina-inom nga maintenance,” she added.
The campaign anchors on three pillars:
* Tamang Pagkain (proper eating)
* Ehersisyo (exercise), and
* Disiplina (discipline).
Health officials said this is a critical season marked by calorie-dense food, sugary drinks, and reduced physical activity.
Jeroso-Dequito said many patients returning to clinics after the holidays cite binge eating and prolonged inactivity as triggers of their conditions, underscoring the need for restraint even amid celebrations.
Echoing the warning, Clarisse Montealto-Nieves, Nutritionist-Dietician II of the Iloilo City Health Office, stressed that celebrating healthily does not mean sacrificing enjoyment.
“It’s not about stopping the celebration; it’s about enriching it with healthier options. There are many delicious yet nutritious recipes that can enhance our holiday dining while safeguarding our health,” Nieves said.
“Sa aton nga kultura, kun holiday season, indi gid mapunggan ang grabe kag sobra-sobra nga pagkaon… Damo gid nga matam-is kag mamantikaon nga pagkaon. Apang sa likod sini, damo man sa aton ang may mga hypertension, diabetes, iban obese na, kag ang iban may mga lifestyle-related diseases,” she added.
Nieves urged families to control portions, avoid unlimited servings, limit sweets and sugary drinks, drink more water, and choose healthier cooking methods such as steaming, grilling, or boiling.
She also encouraged adding more fruits and vegetables to holiday menus and joining physical activities like games and walks during gatherings.
“Kontrolon naton ang pagkaon sang sobra, indi unlimited… likawan ang sugar drinks… kag may mga physical activities kita dapat,” she said.
Apart from nutrition, DOH-6 also reminded the public to observe strict food safety practices, noting that while food poisoning cases have been relatively low in past holidays, vigilance remains essential.
“Food safety remains a crucial theme, as improper handling can lead to illness. We advocate for stringent hygiene protocols, including thorough handwashing before food preparation, safe storage of perishables, and ensuring all food items are fresh,” Jeroso-Dequito said.
Nieves likewise stressed the importance of sanitary food preparation and serving to prevent contamination.
As families prepare for year-end festivities, DOH-6 said the Ligtas Christmas campaign aims to ensure that celebrations do not come at the cost of public health, reminding Filipinos that moderation today can prevent medical emergencies in the weeks that follow./PN
