Cebu Province - Every month of July the country celebrates the Nutrition Month to raise awareness among Filipinos on how proper nutrition play a great role in maintaining a healthy body. Nutrition awareness is not only the responsibility of health sector, but it is a multi-sectoral effort. Different stakeholders have their respective roles to play in the campaign for good nutrition.
What or who are the stakeholders? We have the national government agencies, local government units, private sector, media, civil society, academe, and we as individual and our families. Our local and national government agency have important role and influence; they are responsible for developing and strengthening the policies for nutrition.
The implementation of nutrition programs also depends on their support. Private sector can work with the government in terms of delivery of nutrition services and engage their employees or clients in nutrition related activities. Media can encourage the public by communicating nutrition services, as we all know they have great influence and reach a wide audience.
Civil society can help advocate and empower communities in terms of nutrition. The academe can conduct fora or seminars involving the school and universities to increase awareness among student, teachers and other staff. Finally, we as individuals and our family can also impact the people in our circle of influence by practicing the healthy habit and sharing our knowledge about the importance of proper nutrition. Nutrition awareness is everyone’s responsibility; every effort we make can contribute in our campaign for a healthier Filipinos. // ND II Irene M. Umagap, RND