28/07/2026
Barangay Buhangin Proper Celebrates 52nd Nutrition Month, Promotes Healthy Living and Sustainable Food Practices
DAVAO CITY, 24 July 2026 – Barangay Buhangin Proper successfully celebrated the 52nd Nutrition Month on July 24, 2026, at the Buhangin Gymnasium, reaffirming its commitment to promoting health, nutrition, and environmental sustainability among its constituents. Spearheaded by the Barangay Council of Buhangin Proper under the leadership of Barangay Captain Hon. Francisco Gamad, the celebration gathered barangay officials, health personnel, partner agencies, community leaders, and residents in support of this year's National Nutrition Month theme, "Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!"
The celebration highlighted the importance of proper nutrition and environmental conservation, emphasizing that healthy communities can only be achieved through collective action in protecting natural resources and ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food.
The program officially commenced with a warm welcome message from Barangay Captain Hon. Francisco Gamad, who thanked the residents, partner agencies, and community stakeholders for their active participation in the celebration. He emphasized that the barangay government remains steadfast in supporting programs that improve the health and nutritional status of every family.
Hon. Gamad encouraged everyone to embrace healthy eating habits, participate in nutrition-related activities, and support initiatives that protect the environment. He underscored that nutrition is a shared responsibility and that the success of community nutrition programs depends on the cooperation of local government, health workers, schools, and every household.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the Photo Competition, which creatively showcased this year's theme, "Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!" The contest featured inspiring photographs that demonstrated how nutrition and environmental stewardship are interconnected. Participants captured meaningful images of backyard gardens, locally grown fruits and vegetables, sustainable farming practices, healthy meal preparation, tree planting, composting, and other environmentally friendly initiatives that contribute to food security and improved nutrition.
The competition served not only as a display of creativity but also as a powerful advocacy campaign, encouraging residents to recognize the importance of protecting the environment while ensuring the availability of nutritious food for present and future generations. Through the participants' photographs, the community was reminded that preserving nature plays a vital role in sustaining healthy food systems and preventing malnutrition.
Adding educational value to the celebration, representatives from the City Agriculturist Office conducted an informative lecture on urban gardening. The discussion emphasized how establishing home and community gardens can significantly contribute to food security, particularly in urban communities where access to fresh and affordable vegetables may be limited. Participants learned practical techniques in growing vegetables using available household spaces, proper garden maintenance, composting, and sustainable food production.
The resource speakers explained that urban gardening not only provides families with a continuous supply of fresh and nutritious produce but also helps reduce household food expenses, promotes healthier eating habits, and contributes to environmental conservation. Residents were encouraged to maximize available spaces in their homes and communities to cultivate vegetables and herbs, reinforcing the idea that every household can become an active partner in achieving food security.
The celebration was further enriched by the message of Johhana C. Roldan, RND, Nutrition Officer II and District Nutrition Program Coordinator of Buhangin A District. In her address, Ms. Roldan emphasized that Nutrition Month serves as a continuing reminder that proper nutrition should remain a priority every day of the year.
She highlighted that good nutrition begins with informed food choices, balanced diets, and healthy lifestyles supported by sustainable food systems. She encouraged families to consume more locally available fruits and vegetables, practice proper infant and young child feeding, minimize food waste, and support community-based nutrition and gardening initiatives. Ms. Roldan also stressed that environmental protection is directly linked to nutrition, as healthy ecosystems ensure the continuous production of safe and nutritious food for future generations.
She commended the Barangay Council of Buhangin Proper for its unwavering support of nutrition programs and for organizing activities that empower the community through education, advocacy, and active participation. She noted that the strong collaboration among local government units, health workers, partner agencies, and residents is instrumental in achieving better nutrition outcomes for the community.
Also gracing the event was Dr. Evelyn Baño, District Health Officer of Buhangin District, who delivered an inspiring message highlighting the importance of investing in health and nutrition to build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. She emphasized that proper nutrition throughout every stage of life is essential in preventing diseases, improving child growth and development, enhancing academic performance, and increasing productivity among adults.
Dr. Baño encouraged parents to provide balanced and nutritious meals for their families and urged the community to actively support government health and nutrition programs. She likewise recognized the dedication of barangay officials, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, health workers, volunteers, and partner agencies whose continuous efforts contribute significantly to improving the nutritional well-being of the people.
Also delivering a message of support was Hon. Nerissa Yu, Barangay Kagawad on Health, who reaffirmed the barangay's commitment to strengthening health and nutrition services at the grassroots level. She encouraged residents to actively participate in community nutrition activities and work hand in hand with the barangay government in promoting healthy lifestyles, food security, and environmental conservation. Hon. Yu emphasized that every family has an important role in building a healthier barangay through informed food choices, active community participation, and shared responsibility in protecting the environment.
The celebration concluded with renewed enthusiasm among participants to become advocates of healthy living and environmental stewardship. Through meaningful activities, educational discussions, and collaborative community participation, Barangay Buhangin Proper once again demonstrated its strong commitment to advancing the goals of the National Nutrition Program and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both people and the environment.
