The Department of Health RO X, with its continuous advocacy in promoting healthy lifestyle, spearheaded a region wide movement on Adolescent Health Advocates or “AHA for Go4Health”. The Movement involves advocacy and promotion activities among adolescents in selected schools encompassing the “Go Sigla”, “Go Smoke Free”, “Go Slow sa Tagay”, and “Go Sustansya”.

The DOH-NNC X team up is focused on the “Promote Good Nutrition” under the ambit of “Go Sustansya”.  This aims to increase the level of awareness among students and adolescents on the benefits of good nutrition coupled with regular physical activity as a way of encouraging them to practice both as a way of life.  

Macasandig National High School and St. Mary’s School in Cagayan de Oro City served as the pilot areas representing the government and private schools, respectively. During the advocacy activity, DOH RO-X ARD Adriano Suba-an led the mass recitation of the 10 Kumainments and emphasized in his speech the importance of following the Kumainments. On the other hand, NNC-X undertook nutrition education sessions and group counseling to the 53 students assessed to be underweight, overweight and obese.  Both activities were highlighted by a nutri quiz and a cooking demonstration of Healthy “MMK Munchkins”.  The activities culminated with a signing of commitment among school officials and personnel as “AHA for Go4Health School” - a place where the promotion of healthy lifestyle is a priority.

DOH RO X intends to cascade the Movement in the whole of Northern Mindanao after the assessment of the pilot phase. pgd