Zamboanga City kicks off the celebration of the 50th Nutrition Month with a nutri-venta exhibit and the provision of nutrition service packages at the Zambowood Elementary School, Monday, July 1.

Spearheaded by the National Nutrition Council (NNC-IX), Department of Health and the City Government of Zamboanga, the kick-off program in Zambowood was also the regional launching ceremony and themed “Sa PPAN Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat.”

The celebration hopes to emphasize the different services under the Philippine Plan of Action on Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028 and establish a branded activity for the annual campaign through various activities.PPAN aims to reduce all forms of malnutrition across all life stages and include interventions that focus on healthier diets, better practices, and improved access to quality services.

The exhibit featured 15 booths showcasing variety of nutritious foods, and services that included breast milk letting, blood typing, display of agricultural products and distribution of vegetable seeds, free food sampling and product marketing of product, among others.

DOH-9 Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Nimfa Ekong, Assistant City Health Officer Dr. Cathy Garcia representing Mayor John Dalipe and CHO head Dr. Dulce Miravite and Zambowood Chairperson Richard Pajarito led the launching program.

Nutrition month in July is an annual campaign established in 1974 by Presidential Decree 491, also known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines.

Also present were City Agriculturist Arben Magdugo, Asst. City Veterinarian Arcadio Kaban Jr., NNC staff, Zambowood barangay officials, and other participating city and regional offices, hospitals, institutions, and other barangays. (with reports from Bernadeth Lazaro)