BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Safeguarding the nation’s nutrition and natural resources is not a task for the government alone, but a responsibility that every individual and sector must take part in.
Sean Paul Fiangaan, Nutritionist-Dietitian of the Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR), emphasized this during the Kapihan sa Baguio forum on July 13, as the region joins the nationwide observance of the 52nd Nutrition Month with the theme “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan Ating Pangalagaan”.
“Protecting nutrition and the environment is everyone’s responsibility, not only the health sector, not only the government, but all of us,” Fiangaan stressed.
He explained that healthy diets depend not only on what people choose to eat, but on intact ecosystems, fertile lands, clean water, and a stable climate. When the environment is cared for, it in turn sustains reliable food sources for communities.
Fiangaan urged everyone to contribute to building sustainable and resilient food systems.
For farmers and food producers, he encouraged adopting climate-friendly practices such as crop diversification, rainwater harvesting, solar-powered irrigation, agroforestry, and sustainable fishing methods.
For households and consumers, simple yet meaningful changes can make a difference: following the Pinggang Pinoy guide for balanced meals, choosing locally grown and seasonal produce, and cutting down on food waste.
“Buy only what you can consume, plan meals wisely, and store food properly. When we reduce food waste, we also reduce pressure on our land, water, and energy resources,” Fiangaan said.
He also called on researchers, private groups, and communities to support innovations and investments toward developing climate-resilient and nutrient-rich crops.
Fiangaan emphasized that improving nutrition and addressing environmental challenges requires a whole-of-society approach where national agencies, local governments, civil society, families, and individuals all work toward the same goal.
“Working together, we can build healthier, more sustainable food systems that ensure food security and protect our natural resources for generations to come,” he said. **JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR
