Agusan Norte champions healthy living, environmental protection during Nutrition Month celebration
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Proper nutrition remains fundamental to achieving healthier families, improving productivity, and building resilient communities, prompting the provincial government of Agusan del Norte to intensify efforts in promoting healthy eating, active lifestyles, and environmental stewardship during the kickoff of the 52nd Nutrition Month celebration on Monday.
Through the Agusan del Norte Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC), the province launched the month-long observance anchored on the theme “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan,” bringing together members of the Provincial Nutrition Council, provincial government employees, and partner stakeholders in a collective effort to improve nutrition outcomes while protecting the environment that sustains food production.
The celebration supports the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023–2028 and advances President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda on food security, preventive healthcare, and climate resilience by encouraging healthy diets, active lifestyles, and sustainable food production. In Agusan del Norte, these priorities are reinforced through the continued support of Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, who champions programs that promote the health, well-being, and food security of every Agusanon.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Chief and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, Dr. Silver Joy Tejano, emphasized that good nutrition begins with safeguarding the environment, which provides families with sustainable sources of safe and nutritious food.
“Protecting our environment means protecting our food sources. When we care for our natural resources, we help ensure that families have access to safe and nutritious food. Being healthy also means being happy. I also encourage every Agusanon to plant vegetables in their own backyards. Even a small backyard garden can provide fresh, nutritious food for the family, help reduce household food expenses, and contribute to a healthier environment,” Tejano said.
Tejano encouraged families to make backyard vegetable gardens, healthy eating, and responsible environmental practices part of their daily routine, emphasizing that these simple actions can strengthen household food security, improve nutrition, and help build healthier and more resilient communities.
To further promote healthy lifestyles, Provincial Nutrition Coordinator Emelyn Flor L. Fabiaña led the launch of the Move More, Step More Challenge, a wellness initiative for the employees of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte.
“The Move More, Step More Challenge encourages our employees to make physical activity part of their daily routine. Nutrition is not only about eating healthy food but also about staying active. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire healthier habits that will improve the well-being and productivity of our workforce,” Fabiaña said.
The challenge is open to all provincial government of Agusan del Norte employees. Registration runs from July 13 to 17, while the official competition will be held from July 18 to October 16. Participants will compete based on the total distance they walk or run, measured through the Pacer tracker application, with only app-recorded distances considered valid.
The province’s Nutrition Month celebration demonstrates how national and local efforts can work together to improve nutrition, strengthen household food security, promote active living, and protect the environment. By encouraging healthy eating, backyard vegetable gardening, regular physical activity, and responsible environmental stewardship, Agusan del Norte continues to help build healthier, more productive, and climate-resilient communities. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
