The Department of Interior and Local Government has issued a memo circular directing all local government units from the provincial down to the barangay levels to participate in the celebration of nutrition month.

Dr. Marlyn Convocar, Department of Health-6 Director, said this is a relevant call as the local communities are enjoined to be vigilant about health concerns like good nutrition.

Convocar, who is also the chair of the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC), said the circular should be taken seriously by local officials.

Memo Circular 2015-58, signed by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, says the 41st Nutrition Month Celebration this July carries the theme “Timbang Iwasto, sa Tamang Nutrisyon at Ehersisyo.”

This theme, according to Nona Tad-y, regional nutrition program coordinator, said in the recent RNC meeting, that the theme aims to increase awareness on the role and importance of proper nutrition in the prevention of overweight and obesity among the people.

Further, she said, the theme seeks to encourage Filipinos to make positive decisions on consumption of healthy foods and practicing healthy lifestyle.

“In this, we expect the local officials, the academe and the private sector to put in place an enabling environment that promotes proper nutrition and physical activity,” Tad-y said.

The DILG circular has suggested some activities and campaigns which the LGUs and those concerned can undertake.

These are promotion of the 10 Kumainments, the simplified messages of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos; conduct of seminars, fora; dissemination of advocacy materials through all forms of media, including social media; and, promotion of Pinggang Pinoy, developed by the NNC, FNRI and DOH.

Further, the circular also suggested the conduct of “Belly Gud for Health” of the DOH, where a contest where personnel are encouraged to reduce their waist by holding a contest.

Likewise, the circular encourages that healthy food options in office canteens should be ensured also.

RNC Chair Convocar said all member-agencies of the committee should be in the front line of initiating activities to promote the celebration of Nutrition Month and its theme.