KORONADAL CITY (July 9) — — Protecting the environment begins on the dinner table.
That is the message of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 12 as it marks Nutrition Month this July, urging Filipinos to embrace climate-friendly food choices to help secure healthier families and a more sustainable future.
Carrying the theme “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan,” this year’s campaign highlights how climate change is increasingly affecting food production, nutrition, and public health.
“Nais nating ipaunawa na ang pagbabago ng klima o climate change ay direktang nakaaapekto sa produksyon ng pagkain at nagpapataas ng antas ng malnutrisyon,” said NNC-12 Project Development Officer Bonie Louie L. Leonida.
Leonida said the campaign promotes sustainable food systems, noting that global food production contributes nearly 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing food waste, supporting local produce, and adopting climate-smart farming practices, communities can help protect both the environment and food security.
The campaign also supports the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023–2028, which promotes programs that improve nutrition while protecting natural resources for future generations.
Throughout July, NNC Region 12 will roll out activities across the region, including a tree-planting activity in Maitum, Sarangani, webinars on sustainable diets, advocacy campaigns, nutrition contests, and the distribution of information materials. Outstanding nutrition champions will also be recognized during the Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony.
Leonida called on families to turn simple household practices into meaningful climate action.
“Magtanim ng mga prutas at gulay na matatag sa pabago-bagong panahon. Bawasan ang pag-aaksaya ng pagkain at suportahan ang mga lokal na produkto ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda,” he said.
He stressed that small actions—planting resilient crops, cutting food waste, and buying from local farmers and fisherfolk—not only improve nutrition but also help communities become more resilient to the growing impacts of climate change.
