“We want Healthy Eating for Filipinos!”
This was the call by the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) when it hosted the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) flag ceremonies held recently at the DOLE Ople Hall.
“For our second hosting this year of the DOLE flag ceremonies, we wanted to highlight the value of a healthy lifestyle at work, and that includes healthy eating,” said Executive Director Cynthia R. Cruz of the Institute for Labor Studies.
Every year the National Nutrition Council (NNC) leads the whole country in the celebration of Nutrition Month, to increase awareness on good health and nutrition, among government agencies, non-government organizations, private sector, civil society organizations and communities. This year’s theme is “Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Sama-Sama Nating Wakasan!”
Invited to speak on Healthy Eating for Filipinos, was Ms. Consuelo L. Orense, Supervising Science Research Specialist at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).
During her brief talk Ms. Orense noted that based on FNRI research, there has been an increasing number of overweight Filipinos. She explained that eating foods that are healthy can help prevent heart diseases and diabetes, which are among the leading causes of death among Filipinos. She emphasized that there are no magic diets, foods or supplements. She advised that in planning a healthy diet, it is important to include a variety of foods that will provide all the essential nutrients, and with the right calorie intake that should be just enough to maintain or achieve healthy weight and sustain physical activity.
“The ILS joins the country in this nationwide campaign for healthy living. The secret to a healthy workforce is a healthy lifestyle. Let us all work toward making that a reality for a healthier Philippines,” said Cruz.
The ILS is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. Earlier this year, it hosted the DOLE Flag Ceremonies in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture in celebration of the National Year of Rice.
(For more information on this press release please contact Ms. Linartes M. Viloria, Chief Labor & Employment Officer, Advocacy & Publications Division, Institute for Labor Studies, Telephone Nos.: 5273490 / 5273447)