The Origins of Nutrition Month in the Philippines
The practice of celebrating Nutrition Month every July traces its roots back to the signing of Presidential Decree No. 491 in June 1974 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos. This pivotal legislation, also known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, established the National Nutrition Council (NNC). The NNC was tasked with the crucial role of coordinating and overseeing the national nutrition program. Section 7 of the decree specifically designated July as the month for a focused, nationwide campaign to increase awareness among Filipinos about the importance of nutrition. This was a direct response to the serious malnutrition issues plaguing the country at the time.
The National Nutrition Council's Role
The NNC is the central authority responsible for leading and coordinating the annual Nutrition Month celebration. Each year, the council develops a specific theme to focus the nationwide campaign on a particular aspect of nutrition, reflecting current challenges and priorities. These themes help frame public discussions and guide the activities of participating government agencies, schools, and communities. For instance, themes have addressed the affordability of healthy diets and food security, adapting to evolving national health concerns. By coordinating activities across various sectors, the NNC ensures a unified and impactful message that resonates from the national level down to the smallest barangay.
Core Reasons Behind the July Observance
Several key reasons underpin the continued importance of Nutrition Month in July:
- To Combat Malnutrition: The most fundamental reason for the celebration is to fight the persistent problem of malnutrition, which includes both undernutrition (stunting, wasting) and overnutrition (obesity). The Philippines has long struggled with high rates of childhood stunting, and the campaign serves as a critical annual reminder of this public health crisis.
- To Promote Healthy Eating Habits: The campaign is a powerful educational tool, teaching Filipinos of all ages about the principles of a balanced diet. Schools often use this opportunity to teach children about food groups, sometimes using the popular "Go, Grow, and Glow" framework.
- To Foster Community Action: Nutrition Month encourages local communities to take collective action. Activities like feeding programs, community gardening projects, and nutrition fairs mobilize people to address food insecurity at a grassroots level.
- To Drive Policy Change: The observance is a platform for advocating for stronger laws and policies that make healthy, affordable food more accessible to everyone, regardless of their income level. This includes policies on food fortification and sustainable food systems.
Activities and Campaigns
The month of July is filled with diverse activities across the Philippines. Common initiatives include:
- School-based educational programs, including contests and classroom activities.
- Nationwide recipe development contests focusing on low-cost, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare dishes.
- Community-level events such as simultaneous vegetable planting in schools and day-care centers.
- Information campaigns utilizing traditional media and social media platforms to amplify the nutritional message.
Comparison of Nutrition Challenges Over Time
While the goal of promoting good nutrition has remained constant, the specific focus and challenges addressed during Nutrition Month have evolved. Below is a comparison of past and present campaign emphases.
| Aspect | Past Campaigns (e.g., 1970s-1990s) | Recent Campaigns (e.g., 2020s) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Combating severe undernutrition, particularly stunting and micronutrient deficiencies, often linked to poverty. | Addressing the "double burden of malnutrition," tackling both undernutrition and the rise of overnutrition (obesity) and non-communicable diseases. |
| Key Intervention | Direct feeding programs and basic nutrition education, particularly for children. | Promoting sustainable food systems, making healthy diets affordable for all, and leveraging technology for nutrition education. |
| Socioeconomic Context | Primarily focused on rural poverty and food access. | Considers complex factors like climate change, economic disparities, and the impact of the pandemic on food systems. |
| Communication Channel | Primarily through traditional media (TV, radio), community events, and government-led drives. | Extensive use of social media, digital art contests, and online platforms to reach a wider, tech-savvy audience. |
Living a Healthy Lifestyle Beyond July
While July provides a national spotlight on nutrition, the goal is to embed these healthy practices into daily life year-round. The lessons learned during Nutrition Month encourage a holistic approach to wellness, combining a balanced diet with other healthy habits.
Here are some ways to continue practicing a healthy lifestyle:
- Prioritize a balanced diet by incorporating a variety of "Go, Grow, and Glow" foods.
- Engage in regular physical activity to complement a nutritious diet.
- Start a kitchen garden to ensure a fresh, affordable supply of vegetables.
- Stay informed about food labels and make conscious decisions about your dietary choices.
For more information on the nationwide campaign, you can visit the National Nutrition Council's official website: www.nnc.gov.ph.
Conclusion
In summary, the reason why do we celebrate nutrition month in July is rooted in a decades-old national commitment by the Philippines to tackle malnutrition and elevate public health awareness. What began as a government decree to address nutritional deficiencies has evolved into a comprehensive annual campaign addressing modern-day challenges like food security and the double burden of malnutrition. The observance in July serves as a powerful reminder that proper nutrition is not a luxury but a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a healthy, productive, and resilient society.
