ILOILO CITY — Mayor Raisa Treñas convened the City Nutrition Committee on June 30, 2026 to finalize a month‑long slate of activities for the upcoming 52nd Nutrition Month celebration. The planned lineup blends healthy cooking, storytelling, and community wellness, all designed to strengthen family health across the city.
A Month of Health and Heritage in the Works
Once launched, Iloilo City’s Nutrition Month will open with nutrition assessment booths stationed in barangays, giving residents free access to basic health checks. These booths will measure children’s growth, screen for malnutrition, and connect families to the city’s feeding programs. Early detection remains key to preventing stunting and wasting among young children.
Barangay Nutrition Scholars, the city’s frontline health advocates, will lead the charge in mobilizing communities. They will go door‑to‑door to encourage participation and track the nutritional status of vulnerable households. Their dedication forms the backbone of the city’s health outreach, ensuring no family is left behind.
Cooking Contests with a Local Flavor
Healthy cooking and food innovation contests will take center stage, inviting Ilonggo creativity into the kitchen. Participants will prepare nutritious dishes using locally sourced ingredients, celebrating Iloilo’s status as the country’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The contests aim to prove that delicious, affordable meals can also be healthful and climate‑smart.
The dishes will highlight native vegetables, lean proteins, and traditional recipes reimagined with a nutritional twist. Judges will evaluate not only taste but also the use of sustainable, environment‑friendly ingredients. The competition ties food directly to the national Nutrition Month sub‑theme, “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!”, which calls for nurturing both nutrition and nature together.
Storytelling for Young Minds
Children will enjoy storytelling sessions designed to make nutrition fun and memorable. Local storytellers will share tales that weave lessons about eating vegetables, drinking enough water, and the benefits of an active lifestyle. The sessions create a positive early association with healthy habits.
These activities complement the city’s existing RAIS‑SUSTANSYA complementary feeding program, which provides a rice‑mongo‑sesame blend to young children at risk of malnutrition. The storytelling events help reinforce the same messages at home, building a culture of wellness from the ground up. Parents who attend will also receive tips on preparing budget‑friendly, nutritious meals.
Recognizing Frontline Heroes
A highlight of the celebration will be the recognition of outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars. These individuals work tirelessly in their communities, often on a volunteer basis, to monitor children’s weight, counsel mothers, and promote backyard gardening. The awards honor their critical role in Iloilo City’s health infrastructure.
Their success stories inspire other barangays to strengthen their own nutrition programs. Mayor Treñas believes that good planning and strong collaboration—between the city, national agencies, and community volunteers—are the recipe for a healthier population. The recognition ceremony will also serve as a forum to share best practices across the city’s districts.
A Sustainable Food Future
The entire celebration aligns with the city’s RISE‑to‑Action agenda, which prioritizes health, climate resilience, and inclusive growth. By linking nutrition to environmental stewardship, Iloilo City addresses the root causes of food insecurity. The activities encourage households to grow their own food, reduce food waste, and choose climate‑friendly diets.
As the month unfolds, Iloilo City positions itself not only as a UNESCO gastronomic capital but also as a model for urban health. The Nutrition Month activities show that a city rich in culinary tradition can also lead in promoting the well‑being of its people. Families are invited to join the upcoming events and take a step toward healthier, happier lives.
