DUMAGUETE CITY, 2 July 2026 — The National Nutrition Council (NNC), in partnership with the City Government of Dumaguete, the official host of the 2026 National Nutrition Month Kick-off Activity, officially launched the 52nd National Nutrition Month on 1 July 2026, bringing together national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, the academe, and communities in a unified call to advance nutrition, strengthen food security, and promote environmental sustainability.
Anchored on the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) overarching theme, “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” this year’s Nutrition Month carries the sub-theme, “𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧, 𝐀𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐚𝐧!”. The campaign highlights the critical link between nutrition and environmental sustainability, emphasizing that healthy people depend on healthy ecosystems and resilient food systems.
As climate change continues to affect agriculture and food production, the NNC encourages government agencies, local government units, businesses, and communities to work together to build food systems that are both nutritious and environmentally sustainable. This includes supporting climate-resilient farming, reducing food loss and waste, promoting research and innovation, and making nutritious food more accessible and affordable for everyone.
The campaign also encourages every Filipino to adopt healthier and more sustainable dietary practices by following the Pinggang Pinoy and the 10 Kumainments, choosing locally produced foods, consuming balanced and diverse meals, minimizing food waste, and supporting home, school, and community gardens. Through these collective actions, Nutrition Month serves as a platform for advancing both nutrition and environmental stewardship.
The 2026 National Nutrition Month Kick-off Activity featured a symbolic tree-planting activity, Nutri-Eco Float Parade, opening of nutrition and partner agency booths, press conference, official launching program, technical session, and Nutrition Month Solidarity Dinner, demonstrating the shared commitment of government agencies, LGUs, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, the academe, and communities to advancing nutrition security and sustainable food systems.
The event was led by National Nutrition Council Officer-in-Charge Executive Director IV Atty. Rosalina U. Bascao, CPA, JD, MGM, in partnership with Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel T. Sagarbarria, together with Negros Oriental Governor Manuel L. Sagarbarria and with the support of Dr. Jose Gerard Belimac, Director III of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau representing Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, and Dr. Razel Nikka M. Hao, Regional
Director of the Department of Health–Negros Island Region. During the press conference, the officials underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders to advance nutrition programs and promote healthier communities.
In her message, OIC Executive Director IV Atty. Rosalina U. Bascao emphasized the urgency of collective action in addressing today’s interconnected nutrition and environmental challenges. “The challenges of climate change and food insecurity continue to affect the nutritional well-being of many Filipinos. These realities call for collective action. Protecting our environment is no longer just an ecological responsibility—it is a nutrition imperative.”
As the whole country joins the 52nd National Nutrition Month celebration, the NNC encourages every Filipino to recognize that nutrition is not solely about individual food choices but also about protecting the ecosystems, agriculture, and food systems that make healthy diets possible. By working together and continuously making informed choices, we can build healthier and thriving communities, wherein we can practice environmental conservation while ensuring good nutrition for all today and for generations to come.
For more information about Nutrition Month 2026, visit the National Nutrition Council’s official website and Facebook page or access campaign materials via nnc.gov.ph
