30 July 2015 – In line with the 41st Nutrition Month celebration with a theme “Timbang iwasto sa tamang nutrisyon at ehersisyo!”, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Calabarzon and Mimaropa regions joined forces as they gathered nutrition stakeholders for the 2015 Nutrition Month Stakeholders’ Forum focused on obesity held at the Greenhills Elan Hotel, San Juan City.
Various specialists were invited to share their expertise in the forum. Ms. Luz B. Tagunicar of the National Center for Health Promotion of the Department of Health reported the State of Overnutrition in the Philippines and the actions being done by the government to address it. Meanwhile, Dr. Cesar J. Tutaan of Mandaluyong City shared the video of their city’s activity which was recognized as the Guinness World Record’s Largest Zumba Class to inspire the participants to conduct nutrition programs that deal with overnutrition. To further strengthen the promotion of engaging to physical activities, Mr. Hercules P. Callanta from University of the Philippines Diliman also stressed physical fitness and exercise. The session was ended by Ms. Zenaida Velasco from the University of Santo Tomas by imparting tips on stress and weight management.
Each session was followed by an open forum in which the participants were able to ask questions and share insights.
All the topics in the forum not only allowed the participants gain knowledge on obesity prevention but also ignited their advocacy for proper nutrition and further prevent the rising double burden of malnutrition in the country.