(Mayor Edwin Santiago (in white shirt) and members of the Nutrition Council led by Dr. Eloisa Aquino (left) and Atty. Atlee Viray pose with the patented “para sa puso” sign at the press conference of the Nutrition Month at the Levi Panlilio Hall of the city hall on Monday. Photo by Ashley Manabat)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Health awareness through proper nutrition, and exercise is the battle cry of this city as it celebrates Nutrition Month beginning with the unveiling of its calendar of activities on Monday.
With the theme: “Kumain ng wasto at maging aktibo… Push natin ito,” the month-long activity promotes proper nutrition starting in the different barangays.
City Health Officer Dr. Eloisa Aquino said the city is also deploying health personnel in schools through the School Health Board and in the grassroots level through the barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars, to monitor the nutritional status of children, especially those aged 0 to 5 years old.
“We train individuals to be barangay nutrition scholars, as well as their counterpart on public schools in the city, who will be tasked to monitor the weight and nutritional status of the children in their respective areas of responsibility,” said Aquino.
She added that malnourished children that are found to be malnourished are urged to avail of the free multivitamins given at the rural health centers, as well as participate in the feeding programs implemented in schools and communities.
Aquino said for the past three years the observance of Nutrition Month is more on health awareness or healthy lifestyle for all ages that is why they are now promoting a one-minute exercise for government workers every 10 am, 2 pm and 4 pm in order to address lifestyle diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
For his part, Mayor Edwin “Edsa” D. Santiago underscored the “Healthy si Mommy, Healthy si Baby” program of the city government to ensure the wellness of Fernandinos at the earliest stage.
“If a pregnant mother is undernourished, the probability that her baby is malnourished is relevant that is why the city is also focusing on maternal and neonatal healthcare,” he said.
Meanwhile, the observance of the Nutrition Month is mandated by Presidential Decree No. 491 enacted by then president Marcos.
