04/07/2025
πππππ πππππ: ππππππππ πππ¬π πππππππππ πππππ πππππππππ ππ πππππππ ππππππ ππππ
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region XII, in collaboration with the City Nutrition Council of General Santos, officially launched the 51st Nutrition Month celebration on July 1, 2025, at the Veranza Mall Atrium in General Santos City. This yearβs theme, βFood at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!β, aims to raise public and stakeholder awareness on the importance of ensuring food and nutrition security for all.
The event kicked off with a vibrant motorcade participated in by representatives from NNC Region XII, the City Health Office, City Nutrition Council, LGU-Gensan, Barangay Nutrition Council, and various stakeholders from across the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. Upon arrival at the venue, guests proceeded to the registration area before the formal program began.
The official program opened with the Entrance of Colors led by Cronasia Foundation College, Inc., followed by ceremonial preliminaries including the Nutrition Month Prayer, National Anthem, Ambisyon Natin 2040 Hymn, NNC Hymn, and the General Santos City Hymn.
City Mayor Hon. Lorelie G. Pacquiao, MMPA delivered the welcome address and message of support, emphasizing that proper nutrition is a basic human right and an essential building block for a healthy and progressive nation. She urged for stronger collaboration between local government units, the private sector, and communities to guarantee access to nutritious food, especially for children and vulnerable groups.
Another message of support was shared by Mr. Ace Buensuceso, RN, Executive Assistant for Health of LGU-Gensan, highlighting the local governmentβs dedication to strengthening and advancing nutrition-related programs and initiatives.
Dr. Aristides C. Tan, MD, MPH, CESO III, Regional Director of DOH-CHD XII, delivered the opening message by encouraging communities to play an active role in promoting nutrition. He stressed that while government initiatives are important, lasting improvements depend on continuous and community-led efforts.
Mr. Esmael Intao, Chief Agriculturist and Head of the Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division of the Department of Agriculture XII, gave the keynote address on behalf of Regional Director Roberto T. Perales. In his message, he highlighted the strong connection between food systems and nutrition, reaffirming the departmentβs commitment to supporting local food production and strengthening inter-agency partnerships.
Gladys Mae S. Fernandez, RND, RN, MDM, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, introduced the official theme of the 51st Nutrition Month and led the participants in reciting the Nutrition Month pledge. Following this, key stakeholders expressed their support by writing messages of commitment, affirming their pledge to uphold this yearβs theme and strengthen their dedication to the implementation of the PPAN 2023β2028 as the national framework for advancing food and nutrition security.
As a symbolic representation of this yearβs 51st Nutrition Month theme, all attendees took part in the βBayong of Nutrition Securityβ activity. During this segment, key stakeholders placed locally sourced, nutritious food items into a traditional woven basket, highlighting the importance of accessible and healthy food. This was followed by a Milk Toasting Ceremony led by the National Dairy Authority, symbolizing nourishment, strength, and unityβserving as a collective pledge to support the nutritional health of Filipino children and families.
One of the key segments of the event was a Technical Session on Organic Food Production conducted by Ms. Paz A. Cutamora-Chan, OIC and Supervising Agriculturist from the City Agriculture Office. Simultaneously, a press conference was organized by PIA XII, with participation from media partners and representatives of key agencies, including DOHβCHD XII represented by Dr. Aristides C. Tan, MPH, CESO III; DILG XII by Engr. Samuel A. Camaganacan; the City Agriculturistβs Office by Ms. Elsie S. Villanueva; the City Mayorβs Office by Mr. Ace Buensuceso, RN, Executive Assistant for Health; the City Health Office by Dr. Lalaine Calonzo, RMT, MD, CFP; the Department of Agriculture XIIβs Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division by Chief Agriculturist Dr. Esmael Intao, PhD; and the National Nutrition Council XII by Ms. Gladys Mae S. Fernandez, RND, RN, MDM. The discussion underscored the vital role of good governance and multi-sectoral collaboration in achieving nutrition-related goals.
The program ended with the Closing Remarks from Dr. Lalaine Calonzo, Acting City Health Officer and City Nutrition Action Officer, who reiterated the cityβs dedication to ongoing efforts in advancing proper nutrition.
Adding energy and vibrance to the celebration, the event was successfully hosted by Batang Star Philippines Inc. The program was led by its passionate CEO and Founder, Mr. Edward Lacanilao Zurriaga, whose engaging presence contributed to the overall success and enthusiasm of the activity.
This yearβs Nutrition Month theme emphasizes the critical need to provide all Filipinos with access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food. Strengthening food and nutrition security aligns with the objectives of PPAN 2023β2028, which aims to significantly reduce malnutrition and hunger in the years ahead.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all attendees who actively participated, showed unwavering support, and remained present throughout the entire program. Their engagement and enthusiasm greatly contributed to the meaningful and successful celebration of the 51st Nutrition Month, reflecting a strong collective commitment to advancing food and nutrition security.
