THE Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos Region emphasized that good nutrition goes beyond simply eating healthy food—it begins with safeguarding the environment and ensuring safe, clean, and hygienic food practices as it officially launched the 52nd Nutrition Month Celebration themed “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan,” in Brgy. San Julian West, Agoo, La Union, in partnership with the Provincial Government of La Union and the Municipality of Agoo, reinforcing a united commitment to building healthier communities through nutrition, environmental stewardship, and collective action.
Regional Director Helen D. Tobias emphasized that healthy people depend on a healthy environment. “The food we eat comes from our land, our waters, and our communities. When we protect our environment and practice proper food hygiene, we safeguard not only our health but also the future of our food supply. Good nutrition goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship and safe food practices,” she stated.
She explained that nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meat, eggs, and legumes provide essential nutrients needed for growth, development, and disease prevention. However, these health benefits can easily be compromised when food is contaminated by poor hygiene, improper preparation, unsafe storage, or unsanitary conditions.
“Healthy eating does not stop at choosing nutritious food. It also means ensuring that the food we prepare and serve is clean, safe, and protected from contamination. Likewise, caring for our environment—through proper waste management, reducing food waste, maintaining clean surroundings, and supporting sustainable food production—helps ensure that nutritious food remains available for future generations,” she added.
DOH also urges every household to observe simple yet effective food safety practices, including washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water, washing hands with soap and water before handling food, using clean utensils and food preparation surfaces, separating raw and cooked food to prevent cross-contamination, cooking food thoroughly, and storing food properly to prevent spoilage.
The public is likewise encouraged to reduce food waste, properly segregate household waste, minimize the use of single-use plastics in food preparation and storage whenever possible, and support local farmers and producers who contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system.
“This Nutrition Month, we call on every Filipino to nourish both our families and our environment. Every nutritious meal prepared safely, every fruit and vegetable washed properly, every piece of food saved from waste, and every effort to keep our surroundings clean contributes to healthier communities and a healthier planet. Together, let us protect our nutrition, our health, and our environment because they are inseparably connected,” Tobias stressed.
As part of the celebration, PuroKalusugan services were brought to the barangay, providing routine immunization, maternal and child health services, nutrition counseling, tuberculosis and HIV screening, diabetes and hypertension screening, free medical consultations, and medicine distribution. A total of 200 residents benefited from the outreach services.
The Department of Health Ilocos Region remains committed to promoting healthy lifestyles by advancing proper nutrition, food safety, environmental responsibility, and disease prevention—ensuring that every Filipino has access to nutritious, safe, and sustainably produced food for healthier lives today and for generations to come.
About the Author
