In celebration of Nutrition Month, the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) is embracing this year’s theme, “Sa PPAN (Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition) Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat.”
To support this initiative, ECC invited Racquel Jahn M. Cordero from the National Nutrition Council to share valuable insights and practical tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Cordero explained the PPAN campaign strategy, which aims to raise awareness about proper nutrition and the role of PPAN in combating malnutrition. The strategy focuses on promoting, partnering, advocating, and nurturing nutrition initiatives. She also clarified the concepts of overweight and obesity, emphasizing that these conditions, along with associated noncommunicable diseases, are largely preventable. Cordero highlighted a concerning trend: from 2015 to 2021, that there has been an increase in overweight and obesity among adults and older adults. The current food environment, which promotes unhealthy food and beverages such as sugary drinks, savory snacks, and fast food, exacerbates this issue. While genetics can influence the likelihood of being overweight or obese, dietary choices, physical activity, and environmental factors have a more significant impact.
She also addressed the National Nutrition Council’s stance on fad diets, quoting the NNC Policy Statement on Fad Diets, “Fad diets are not recommended for weight loss as they may pose potential health risks. Instead, adherence to a holistic, sustainable, and nutritionally balanced diet, complemented by an active lifestyle and lifelong behavioral modifications, is recommended.”
In addition to the seminar, ECC organized various activities for employees nationwide. Employees showcased their talents in a poster-making contest themed around Nutrition Month. A salad-making contest was held, where participants created healthy salads from provided ingredients. The festivities also included a TikTok video challenge dubbed as “Healthy Beat: Dance Your Way to Nutrition” featuring the song “Healthy Pilipinas.”
July was designated as Nutrition Month in the Philippines in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 491 to promote awareness about the importance of nutrition among Filipinos.
S. Mocorro – REU 13