SANTA CRUZ, Laguna – In an effort to bolster the advocacy for proper nutrition, the provincial government of Laguna launched the 49th Nutrition Month celebration on Monday through its Provincial Nutrition Action Office.
During an interview, Teresita Ramos, the Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, highlighted the significance of nutrition in the lives of every Filipino, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to this aspect. She cited Presidential Decree 491, also known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, as the guiding force behind the celebration.
Ramos explained that each year, a specific theme is selected to provide a focal point for highlighting essential nutrition facts and guiding the populace on proper nutrition. This year's theme, "Making Healthy Diet Affordable For All," aims to underscore the importance of accessible nutritious food options.
As part of the festivities, Ramos announced upcoming events, such as a nutrition teleconference scheduled for this week and a visit to the Laguna Human Milk Bank. The establishment of this milk bank at UP Los Baños in December 2022, spearheaded by 2nd District Representative Ruth Mariano-Hernandez, aims to support and nurture breastfeeding mothers and infants.
Ramos reassured the public that her office collaborates closely with municipalities and barangays to effectively implement local nutrition programs, ensuring a holistic approach to improving nutrition across the province.
Governor Ramil Hernandez expressed his dedication to prioritizing the health of every Lagunense, emphasizing the importance of this endeavor in a social media post.
The 1st Quarter Report of the Provincial Health Office revealed that the provincial government provided oral health services to a total of 1,845 individuals, encompassing inmates, students, and women with disabilities.
Additionally, the Resbakuna Caravan, which aims to administer Covid-19 vaccines, has been ongoing, with 875 individuals aged five years and above receiving vaccinations in the town of Santa Cruz and the city of Calamba.
The Department of Health's Chikiting Ligtas campaign, geared towards immunizing children aged nine months to five years old with the measles-rubella vaccine, has made substantial progress in the province, with an impressive 83.35 percent, equivalent to 227,690 children, successfully vaccinated.
