Oliver T. Baccay

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, May 25 (PIA) - - Junk foods should be restricted among children as these are unhealthy processed foods with high calories but low in nutritional value, a city official here said.

Mayor Bienvenido De Guzman said the unhealthy eating behaviors of the children can increase the risk for overweight and obesity. De Guzman, during the opening of the Batang Radyo Congress for Cagayan initiated by the National Nutrition Council Region 02 (NNC), said it is essential to reduce children's intake of these unhealthy processed foods and replace them with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and other healthy foods.

“Malnutrition still persists in the country because of the unhealthy diet and life style practices of many individuals,” the mayor said, adding that there is a need to change this habit to achieve a good nutritional status. He said a key to a healthy lifestyle is self-discipline.

De Guzman, on the other hand, lauded the efforts of the NNC and the Balay Ni Ifan Media Task Force for continuously educating the young individuals on proper nutrition and for utilizing them as advocates for the promotion of good health and nutrition.

“Your Batang Radyo sa Nutrisyon program is very effective in encouraging young children to eat only healthy and nutritious foods,” De Guzman said.

He also assured the nutrition council of his full support in the implementation of its health and nutrition programs. OTB-PIA/Cagayan)