ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City Government wrapped up its 52nd Nutrition Month celebration with a culminating event at the SM Terminal Market, shining a spotlight on the vital link between personal health and environmental care. The festivities reflected the national theme, “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!”
A Month of Integrated Learning
Throughout July, the City Health Office and the Iloilo City Nutrition Program led community-focused activities designed to educate families on proper nutrition. The campaign emphasized that what we eat is inseparable from how we treat our surroundings. The SM Terminal Market venue brought these lessons directly to shoppers and passersby, reinforcing everyday healthy choices.
The NutriTalk Series provided a platform for nutritionists to share practical advice. They discussed meal planning on a budget, the importance of locally sourced vegetables, and how climate change affects food availability. These sessions translated complex scientific ideas into simple, actionable steps for ordinary households, ensuring that knowledge was accessible to everyone who attended.
Creative Competitions Engage Families
The Little Chef with Mom Competition paired children with their mothers to prepare healthy, delicious dishes together. This hands-on activity taught young participants basic cooking skills while strengthening family bonds. Each recipe highlighted native ingredients, proving that nutritious food can be both affordable and flavorful.
The Rice–Monggo–Sesame (RMS) Innovation Challenge pushed participants to get creative with a proven malnutrition-fighting food blend. The RMS mixture, recommended by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, addresses child stunting and underweight issues when used in supplemental feeding. Contestants turned the blend into appealing snacks and meals, demonstrating its versatility and encouraging wider adoption in barangay feeding programs.
Honoring Barangay Nutrition Scholars
The Search for the Most Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (OBNS) honored the frontliners who monitor children’s growth and deliver nutrition services door-to-door. These dedicated workers measure weight and height, counsel mothers, and distribute micronutrient supplements in their communities. Their relentless efforts form the backbone of the city’s fight against malnutrition.
Awardees were recognized with certificates and tokens, but the real reward was the public acknowledgment of their vital role. The ceremony highlighted that improving a community’s health starts with committed individuals who show up day after day. Their stories inspired attendees and reinforced the city’s commitment to supporting these essential programs.
A Collective Commitment to a Healthier Future
The culmination event drew participation from barangay officials, school representatives, and partner organizations. Their presence underscored a shared responsibility to build a healthier Iloilo City from the ground up. City officials expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and pledged to continue strengthening nutrition initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of Ilonggos.
