Ormoc City Nutrition Office

08/04/2026

𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 💪🍳

Start the day strong with a power breakfast! A balanced meal with protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats helps fuel health workers with the energy they need to stay focused, active, and ready to care for others ❤️‍🩹 Remember, taking care of patients starts with taking care of yourself 🫂💙

31/03/2026

31/03/2026

30/03/2026

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐛-𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞: 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧, 𝐀𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐚𝐧!

Strengthening the Link Between Nutrition and Environmental Protection, with a focus on Climate Action

Every year, the Philippines celebrates Nutrition Month (NM) to promote greater awareness and collective action toward improving the nutritional status of Filipinos, mandated by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 491 of 1974 or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines. Since 2024, the NM campaign has been guided by the overarching theme, “Sa PPAN, Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” with a selected sub-theme under this broader call to highlight the key pillars of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).

The NNC Technical Committee, consisting of various bureaus, offices, and organizations, has approved“𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻, 𝗔𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗮𝗻!" as this year’s sub-theme. This focus builds on PPAN 2023–2028 programs that promote sustainable and nutrition-sensitive food systems. It highlights the vital connection between nutrition and the environment, emphasizing that protection of natural resources is essential to ensuring sustainable food systems, food security, and good nutrition for present and future generations.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, largely driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and unsustainable land use. These changes alter the natural environment by increasing global temperatures, disrupting ecosystems, raising sea levels, and intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2021). Nutrition and climate change are closely interconnected. Climate change directly affects food systems by influencing agricultural productivity, fisheries, and food supply chains. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and typhoons can disrupt food production and reduce the availability of nutritious foods (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2015). In countries like the Philippines, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and marine resources for their livelihoods and daily food consumption, these climate-related disruptions can significantly affect access to diverse and healthy diets.

When food production becomes unstable, communities may experience limited access to nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and fish. This situation can increase the risk of malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations including children, pregnant women, and low-income households (World Vision International, 2024). Climate change can also affect the nutritional quality of food by altering crop yields and nutrient composition, further challenging efforts to ensure adequate nutrition for all.

At the same time, food systems contribute to climate change. The way food is produced, processed, transported, and consumed generates a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that food systems account for approximately 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the need to promote sustainable diets and environmentally responsible food production practices (UN-Nutrition, 2021). Unsustainable agricultural practices, excessive food waste, and high consumption of resource-intensive foods place pressure on land, water, and biodiversity, ultimately affecting the environment that supports food production.

Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that integrates nutrition goals with environmental sustainability. Transforming food systems to become more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive is essential in addressing malnutrition while also mitigating climate change (World Health Organization, 2023). Climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable fisheries, diversified crop production, and the promotion of locally produced and seasonal foods are key strategies that can help ensure stable food supply while protecting natural resources.

Scientific and development organizations also emphasize the importance of investing in climate-resilient and nutrient-dense crops that can adapt to changing environmental conditions while supporting healthy diets (FAO & International Atomic Energy Agency, 2024). These innovations, together with improved agricultural practices and responsible consumption patterns, can help strengthen food systems and promote better nutrition outcomes.

In the Philippines, the National Nutrition Council plays a crucial role in advancing policies and programs that promote proper nutrition across the life cycle. Through coordinated nutrition interventions and multi-sectoral collaboration, the Council supports initiatives that ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food while responding to emerging challenges such as climate change.

The theme “𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻, 𝗔𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗮𝗻!” serves as a call to action for government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, and communities to work together in protecting both human health and the environment. Safeguarding forests, oceans, agricultural lands, and water resources helps secure our food sources and ensures that future generations will continue to have access to nutritious and sustainable diets.

As we celebrate Nutrition Month 2026, let us recognize that the health of people and the health of the planet are inseparable. By adopting sustainable food practices, reducing food waste, supporting local and climate-resilient food production, and strengthening nutrition programs, we can build resilient food systems and ensure better nutrition for all Filipinos—while caring for the environment that sustains us.





References:
[1] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2015). Climate change, food security and nutrition. FAO.https://www.fao.org/3/i5188e/i5188e.pdf

[2] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, & International Atomic Energy Agency. (2024). Enhancing agrifood systems through climate-resilient and nutrition-dense crops. https://www.fao.org/publications/card/en/c/cc3734en

[3] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate change 2021: The physical science basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009157896

[4] UN-Nutrition. (2021). Positioning nutrition as integral to the climate change agenda. https://www.unnutrition.org/publications/positioning-nutrition-climate-change

[5] World Health Organization. (2023). Transforming food systems for healthy diets. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240076385

[6] World Vision International. (2024). Climate change is increasing hunger and malnutrition. https://www.worldvision.org/our-work/climate-change-hunger-malnutrition

29/03/2026

24/03/2026

18/03/2026

13/03/2026

🍽️ What is Pinggang Pinoy?

The Pinggang Pinoy is a simple guide that shows how to build a balanced and healthy meal using a plate. It was developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute under the Department of Science and Technology.

Here’s the easy way to remember it:
🥦 ½ of your plate – Fruits and vegetables
🍚 ¼ of your plate – Go foods (rice, bread, corn for energy)
🍗 ¼ of your plate – Grow foods (fish, eggs, meat, beans for body building)

💧 Drink water and limit foods high in sugar, salt, and fat.

✨ Healthy eating starts with a balanced plate—follow Pinggang Pinoy at every meal!

13/03/2026

04/03/2026

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲 is celebrated every 4th of March annually with this year’s theme, “𝟖 𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑨𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝑶𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚”. This celebration aims to raise awareness of the causes and health risks of obesity and methods of prevention. Obesity is one of the rising health concerns in the Philippines. Many Filipinos enjoy fatty and salty foods, frequently consume alcohol, and are often tempted by processed meats. Combined with physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits such as binge eating, these factors significantly contribute to obesity. In turn, obesity increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying food; however, excessive consumption of fatty, salty, sweet and processed foods can be harmful to our health.

As we celebrate World Obesity Day, NNC XII joins in promoting healthy diet and regular physical activity to help reduce the risk of developing obesity-related non-communicable diseases. Proper nutrition should never be overlooked, as it plays a vital role in our overall well-being.
Here are some Nutri-tips to help prevent obesity and related diseases:

𝟏. 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 – Make it a habit to eat whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich options that provide essential nutrients for the body. Prioritize lean meats and fish as healthier alternatives to foods high in unhealthy fats. Choose fruits and vegetables for snacks instead of sugary and highly processed foods.

𝟐. 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 – Staying physically active, combined with a proper diet, helps improve overall health and well-being. Activities such as brisk walking, running, swimming, and aerobics can boost metabolism, maintain muscle mass, and support a healthy weight.

𝟑. 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬 – Practice portion control, monitor your calorie intake, and stay hydrated by choosing water over sugary beverages.

By following these Nutri-tips, we can work toward a healthier life and reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. Discipline begins within us and is reflected in our overall health. While change does not happen overnight, taking small, consistent steps can eventually lead to lasting healthy habits and a better lifestyle. (𝘗𝘋𝘖𝘐𝘉𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘓𝘰𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘓𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘥𝘢/𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘹𝘪𝘪@𝘺𝘢𝘩𝘰𝘰. 𝘤𝘰𝘮)





Reference:
https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/healthDay/2026/Pages/HealthDay/-2026-03-04-001.aspx #.~:text=Objectives%3A,to%20reduce%20its%20health%20risks.