ILOILO – Ahead of the provincial celebration, the Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital (RTMDH) in Cabatuan town led by example in promoting food and nutrition security as it launched the 51st Nutrition Month observance on July 1 with a wellness-focused kick-off highlighting the vital connection between diet and health.
The hospital mobilized its staff through a Zumba fitness session, setting the tone for this year’s national theme, “Food and Nutrition Security, Maging Priority!” — which underscores the urgent need to ensure all Filipinos have access to nutritious and sufficient food as a fundamental right.
RTMDH dietitian Cherry Salmorin led the educational component of the celebration by emphasizing how nutritional knowledge empowers individuals to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart ailments.
“A proper diet not only boosts the immune system but also aids recovery and reduces the risk of illness,” she said.
The activity also aimed to remind healthcare professionals of the importance of modelling healthy lifestyles to the communities they serve.
The district hospital’s early participation aligns with the broader goal of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), which pushes for collective action in achieving equitable nutrition for all Filipinos.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo provincial government is set to hold its main Nutrition Month celebration on July 7 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds. The event, spearheaded by the Provincial Nutrition Committee, will begin with a 7 a.m. Zumba session for Capitol employees, followed by a “Healthy Salad Sale” to promote nutritious eating habits.
The province’s coordinated activities highlight its growing resolve to combat malnutrition and promote food security through lifestyle change, public awareness, and community-based nutrition programs./PN
