The Cordillera’s nutritional status is better compared with other regions in the country.

In the recent 5th nutrition summit which was attended by health advocates, nutrition workers and barangay officials, National Nutrition Council Regional Director Rita Papey said the nutrition status of children within 60 months are better compared with other regions.

Older children however have a tendency towards under nutrition and obesity; within an “obesogenic” environment. Accordingly, these are caused by less outdoor activities, eating more processed foods, and more sugar based food and juices.

Adults are also at risk with illnesses traceable to weight increase and inactivity, Papey said. These include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hypertension, and kidney failure.

Papey said there are government initiated measures that would address nutritional deficiencies such as Republic Act 10028 or the Milk Code, mandatory nutrition labels on food prohibition on the selling of unhealthy food in school cafeteria, barangay-based advocacies including growth monitoring, and higher taxes on sugar-based juices.

In the food business, Papey said specialty restaurants like vegetarian restaurants, and those that serve food with high nutritional value have been thriving.

The role of nutrition workers in the barangays especially in information dissemination is also vital, Papey added.

During the summit, Zenaida Velasco of the National Nutrition and Dietitians Association of the Philippines also spoke on stress and weight management, stress related-illnesses and control through self-assessment and self-help.

Velasco delved on the role of fresh fruits and minerals; vitamin C, calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin B complex, and anti-oxidants in relieving stress.

A positive attitude also helps in managing stress, Velasco said.