Embarking on Nutrition Month 2025: “Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!”

JULY 1–31, 2025

            By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 491, s. 1974, signed by then-President Ferdinand Marcos—the month of July shall be designated as Nutrition Month in the Philippines. The National Nutrition Council (NNC) reinforces its commitment to advancing nutrition improvement across the country through the annual conduct of the Nutrition Month campaign. Starting this year, Nutrition Month campaigns will carry the overarching theme, “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!” to continuously advocate for the implementation of PPAN 2023–2028.

            Ilocos Sur National High School, led by the Technology and Livelihood Education Department, marked the 51st Nutrition Month celebration with the subtheme “Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!” alongside various events, all emphasizing that “Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin” isn’t just a theme but a powerful truth: access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right.

            To begin the celebration, the first activity, Nutri-Quiz, was held on July 14, 2025, at 9:00 AM in the ISNHS Library, where I participated. It was a sudden rush with no time to review, as a club member summoned us just minutes before the quiz bee started. We placed fourth, which was disappointing, but I gained a lot of insights—it proved that knowledge is truly power, especially when it comes to health.

            On July 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM, the Digital Poster Making Contest was held in Computer Lab 1, showcasing how art and technology can blend beautifully. Then came the Extemporaneous Speaking Contest on July 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM in Computer Lab 4, followed by the Oratorical Contest on July 18, 2025, at 8:00 AM in Computer Lab 3. Both events echoed the idea that speaking up and delivering messages effectively can raise awareness, advocate for health, and remind us that health is wealth. Next was the Fruit or Vegetable Salad Making Contest on July 21, 2025, at 9:00 AM, held at the PAGCOR Building, an event that proved how culinary skills, creativity, and teamwork can be fun, flavorful, and healthy. 

On July 26, 2025, at 1:30 PM, one of the most awaited activities took place—the Nutri-Jingle at the ISMNHS Gymnasium. This event unveiled how harmony and music go beyond entertainment, turning into a masterpiece of advocacy.  Finally, throughout July 2–30, 2025, the Food Fest was held simultaneously at the SPTVE Area, where our section participated. Preparing the food we were going to sell was chaotic but enjoyable—it was a thrilling journey that highlighted how young culinary enthusiasts can unite to honor Nutrition Month.

  

        Indeed, the entire nation must be involved in addressing this alarming problem of malnutrition—whether it be undernutrition, overweight and obesity, or micronutrient deficiency; to ensure proper child development, enhance adult productivity, and prevent chronic diseases such as heart ailments and diabetes. Undernutrition remains a significant concern and has been the focus of efforts for over two decades. Alarmingly, around 30% of Filipino children under five experience stunting, a condition marked by being too short for their age due to poor nutrition. 

            The World Health Organization emphasizes that the first 1,000 days, from conception to age two—are crucial. Stunted children face cognitive delays, poor academic performance, higher risks of nutrition-related diseases later in life, and diminished economic potential.

            That’s why the annual celebration of Nutrition Month is vital. It reminds us of the importance of healthy diets as a pillar of nutrition security and reinforces that access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right, one that must be prioritized in national and local development agendas to address hunger and promote sustainable food systems.