OFFICIALS of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) led the online kick-off program for the regional celebration of the 47th National Nutrition Month.
The kick-off program started with a motorcade and followed by the online launch Monday, July 5, in Cotabato City.
Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, Barmm program coordinator for National Nutrition Council, said Nutrition Month is an annual campaign held every July to create greater awareness among Filipinos on the importance of nutrition as provided under Presidential Decree 491, or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines.
“The Nutrition Month campaign is an institutional campaign that offers an opportunity for various stakeholders to come together to inform about the most relevant nutrition issue in the Philippines,” Sinolinding added.
He noted that this year’s celebration is focused on encouraging various stakeholders to participate and engage in activities to improve nutrition -- to increase understanding of the first 1,000 days of life strategy and the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).
Barmm Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim said they will continue to combat malnutrition even amid the fight against the pandemic.
Dr. Bashary Latiph, Barmm health minister, said the theme calls for continued action to address malnutrition even during the pandemic.
“We must remember the importance of nutrition awareness because it is the initial step in increasing the demand for availing nutritional services rendered by the government,” Latiph said. (SunStar Zamboanga)