In promoting proper health and nutrition for the Filipinos, comics is incredibly useful, entertaining, and visually appealing. Such that NNC Calabarzon, in partnership with the Communicators’ Network for Nutrition in Region 4A (CNN-4A, the regional media group of Calabarzon) has embarked on the 6th Nutri Komiks series.
Entitled “Sa Tamang Nutrisyon, Tiyak ang Kalusugan ni Lolo at Lola,” the 6th series of Nutri –Komiks, has been recently released to provide essential nutrition guidelines for the elderly. It highlights a balanced diet; moderation in eating sweet, salty and fatty foods; staying hydrated; and having regular physical activities.
NNC Calabarzon first introduced the Nutri-Komiks in 2014, with Series 1 tackling “Breastfeeding,” followed by Series 2 on “Nutrition in Emergencies,” Series 3 on “Complementary Feeding,” Series 4 on “Healthy Diet,” and Series 5 on “Nutrition for School Children.” The 7th series on “Maternal nutrition” is currently being developed and is targeted for publishing and reproduction in a few months from now. Mr. Antonio R. Antazo Jr., CNN-4A Vice President for Print and staff of the Provincial Information Office of Rizal, wrote the script of the 6th series Nutri Komiks while Mr. Dhan Lorica, a freelance graphic artist, illustrated the comics.
The 6th series storyline
The 6th series komiks revolves around the varying health concerns of elderlies. Ginselle, whose parents are sickly, seeks advise on proper diet and healthy lifestyle from Jeny, her friend who is a nutritionist-dietitian. Jeny teaches Ginselle how to provide nutritional care for her aging parents, and raised the importance of preparing food appropriate to their condition (i.e. preference, taste, texture, frequency, and their medical conditions).
Jeny also introduces the Pinggang Pinoy appropriate for the elderly and reiterates that they have to eat a variety of food because no single food can provide the nutrients needed by the body. This can be achieved by consuming the three basic food groups: Go, Grow and Glow.
Lolo Nikko (Jeny’s father) is also presented in the story. He is 75, looks youthful and is healthy and lively. He shares with Ginselle that discipline with food is crucial. He emphasizes the value of limiting intake of salty, sweet and fatty foods to prevent chronic diseases. He also explains the two kinds of fats: the unsaturated (good fats) and saturated (bad fats), drinking of at least 8 or more glasses of water every day, and moderation as the key to have a balanced diet. He also underscored the importance of physical activity.
Pre-testing
Before the finalization and distribution of the Nutri-Komiks, it was pre-tested to determine the relevance of the message, its acceptability, and behavioral impact on the target.
The pre-testing was facilitated by Ms. Zarah Clarice T. Megino (F1K Provincial Nutrition Coordinator of NNC Calabarzon), Ms. Cecilia C. Maloles (Philippine Information Agency Calabarzon), and Ms. Carmencita T. Catindig (City Nutrition Action Officer of Sta. Rosa City).
A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was also conducted and was participated by the presidents and 19 members of Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in Sta. Rosa City. The results of the pre-testing were used to revise and finalize the IEC material.
Distribution of copies
NNC Calabarzon will soon be printing and distributing copies of the new series to LGUs in Calabarzon. However, NNC allows and highly encourages LGUs to reprint and reproduce all series of the Nutri-Komiks for distribution to their constituents. With this initiative, more and more Filipinos will be educated on proper nutrition through the Nutri-Komiks.
For more information and queries on reprinting, NNC Calabarzon can be reached at contact numbers (02) 8367-4665 / 3439-2228, or through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By: Ezra Minette B. Lasin
