COTABATO CITY – To address malnutrition problems in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the region’s Department of Health (DOH-ARMM) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC-ARMM) tapped members of the Regional Nutrition Committee to promote programs on proper nutrition.
In a forum on July 14 held at the Office of the Bangsamoro People in the regional seat of government, Dayang Jumaide, DOH-ARMM assistant secretary, encouraged members of the Regional Nutrition Committee to emulate programs such as ‘Pinggang Pinoy’ and ‘10 Kumainments’ in their respective offices.
“These programs will help combat the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adults in the region,” said Asec. Dayang.
Pinggang Pinoy provides consumers with recommendations on the appropriate proportion of various food groups for a truly healthy and balanced meal. It was developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in collaboration with the World Health Organization, DOH, and the NNC. The 10 Kumainments, on the other hand, are guidelines aimed at promoting positive nutrition practices and encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
Data from the National Nutrition Surveys of the FNRI, the prevalence rate of overweight and obesity in the Philippines among adults (20 years old and above) increased from 16.6% in 1993 to 31.1% in 2013. For children aged 11 to 19 years old, the number also increased from 5.8% in 2003 to 8.3% in 2013. For pre-school children (five to 10 years old), from below two percent (2%) in 1989 to 1998, it went up to 4.9% in 2013.
In ARMM, the prevalence rate of pre-school children; children aged 11 to 19 years old; and adults are at 2.8%, 5.3%, and 23.2%, respectively.
The Regional Nutrition Committee is composed of representatives from the different regional line agencies, offices and bureaus including non-government and civil society organizations. It was created in 2013 with the primary goal of combating malnutrition prevalence in ARMM through an aggressive and cohesive delivery of services among concerned agencies, local government units and other stakeholders. (Bureau of Public Information)
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