The Provincial Government of Cavite, through the Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC), joined the National Nutrition Council (NNC) CALABARZON and the Municipal Government of Tanza in the successful staging of the Regional Launch of the 2026 Nutrition Month Celebration held in Tanza, Cavite on July 6.
Anchored on this year’s theme, “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat: Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!”, the joint launch highlighted the interconnectedness of proper nutrition, food security, and environmental sustainability while reinforcing the shared responsibility of government agencies, local government units, development partners, and communities in achieving the goals of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023–2028.
The celebration commenced with a symbolic tree-planting activity in Barangay Tres Cruses, Tanza, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship in ensuring sustainable food systems and better nutrition for future generations. The activity was participated in by members of the Regional Nutrition Committee, Cavite Provincial Nutrition Committee, Tanza Municipal Nutrition Committee, and barangay officials, with the active support of Tanza local leaders headed by Mayor Archangelo “SM” Matro, together with Health Committee Chairperson Councilor Alexis Dones, Councilor Derek B. Matro, OIC MENRO Engr. Ernesto Toledo, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Dorothy Ramirez, and members of the Barangay Nutrition Committees and Barangay Nutrition Scholars.
The program continued at the Tanza Convention Center, where nutrition stakeholders from across CALABARZON gathered for the formal opening of the month-long celebration.
Representing Governor Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” D. Remulla, Provincial Board Member Jasmin Angelli Maligaya Bautista, Co-Chairperson of the Cavite Provincial Nutrition Committee, encouraged all sectors to actively participate in Nutrition Month activities, emphasizing that achieving food and nutrition security requires collective action from every stakeholder.
Messages of support were likewise delivered by Tanza Mayor Archangelo “SM” Matro, National Nutrition Council Deputy executive Director III Atty. Rosalina U. Bascao through a video message, representatives from the Regional Nutrition Committee and partner organizations including Presidents of the Regional Nutrition Associations, Communicators Network for Nutrition – 4A represented by its President Emil Jun Delos Santos, and Regional SUN Business Convenor represented by Ms. Shiela Marie Chavez. Collectively, they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening nutrition programs, promoting climate-responsive and sustainable food systems, and fostering stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address the growing challenges of climate change and food insecurity.
One of the highlights of the technical session was the presentation of the 2026 Nutrition Month talking points by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Lourdes Bulante-Orongan, who underscored that improving nutrition goes beyond health interventions and requires a whole-of-society approach. She encouraged individuals, families, schools, communities, policymakers, and the private sector to embrace nutrition-sensitive and climate-smart practices, including reducing food waste, supporting local food production, investing in resilient food systems, and protecting the environment to ensure adequate nutrition for present and future generations.
The participants also took part in a Pledge of Commitment led by DILG Cavite OIC Provincial Director Marcial A. Juangco and expressed their commitments by placing written pledges on a symbolic “Tree of Life,” serving as a reminder of the shared responsibility of every individual and institution in advancing nutrition and environmental stewardship.
The celebration also featured the ceremonial opening of the Nutrition Month Marketplace, featuring locally produced agricultural goods, nutritious food products, and livelihood initiatives from communities across CALABARZON. The exhibit highlighted the importance of supporting local farmers and producers while promoting healthy food choices, sustainable food systems, and local economic development.
The Tanza Municipal Nutrition Committee also recognized outstanding nutrition program implementers in the municipality by honoring the Top 15 Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Committees, with Barangay Daang Amaya II emerging as the top awardee, and the Top 6 Best HAPAG Gardens, where Barangay Paradahan I received the highest recognition.
As one of the convenors of the regional launch, the Provincial Government of Cavite reaffirmed its commitment to advancing nutrition-sensitive and climate-responsive programs through strengthened partnerships, empowering communities, and sustaining initiatives that contribute to healthier and more resilient Caviteños. — OPIO