Barangay Nutrition Committee - Aurora East

28/02/2026

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 1,000 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬: 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬. 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞.

The First 1,000 Days — from conception until a child’s second birthday — is a critical window for growth and development, where nutrition has lifelong effects on physical health and cognitive function (Nyarko et al., 2024; Suri, 2025). Poor nutrition during this period can lead to irreversible stunting, impaired brain development, and increased risk of chronic disease later in life (Likhar et al., 2022).

It’s not just about food.
It’s about timing.
It’s about giving every child a fair start in life.

Adequate maternal and early childhood nutrition supports healthy fetal growth and reduces long-term health risks associated with undernutrition. Early nutrition interventions improve dietary behaviors and health outcomes among children (Likhar et al., 2022).

In the Philippines, the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program (TKDSP), implemented under Republic Act No. 11148 (Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act), provides targeted nutrition support during the First 1,000 Days to prevent stunting and undernutrition (Philstar, 2024).

✅ Choose nutrient-dense foods.
✅ Choose micronutrient support.
✅ Choose evidence-based programs.

✨ Every nourished mother strengthens the next generation.
✨ Every protected child builds a stronger future.
✨ Every focused feeding is an investment in the nation.

Malnutrition is preventable. Stunting is preventable.

The window is limited – but the impact lasts a lifetime. Are we doing enough to protect the First 1,000 Days?

📌 Support nutrition programs.
📌 Raise awareness.
📌 Be part of the solution.



References:

EDCOM. (2024). Opportunities to address undernutrition in the early years (Policy Brief

PB-2024-001https://edcom2.gov.ph/media/2024/01/EDCOM2_Policy-Brief_PB-2024-001-January-2024_Opportunities-to-Address-Undernutrition-in-the-Early-Years.pdf

Likhar, A., & Patil, M. S. (2022). Importance of maternal nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life and its Effects on Child Development: A Narrative review. Cureus, 14(10), e30083. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30083

Mainstreaming the Critical Interventions in the First 1000 Days | National Nutrition Council (NNC), Republic of the Philippines. (2025,May 8). National Nutrition Council (NNC), Republic of the Philippines.https://nnc.gov.ph/mindanao-region/mainstreaming-the-critical-interventions-in-the-first-1000-days/

National Nutrition Council. (2025). Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program.https://nnc.gov.ph/plans-and-programs/tutok-kainan-dietary-supplementation-program/

Nyarko, M. J., Van Rooyen, D., & Ham-Baloyi, W. T. (2023). Preventing malnutrition within the first 1000 days of life in under-resourced communities: An integrative literature review. Journal of Child Health Care, 28(4), 898–913. https://doi.org/10.1177/13674935231166427

Philstar. (2024, November 14). NNC-7, Eagles launch Tutok Kainan.https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2024/11/14/2400074/nnc-7-eagles-launch-tutok-kainan

Review summaries. (n.d.-b). https://www.who.int/tools/elena/review-summaries/vitamina-postpartum--vitamin-a-supplementation-for-postpartum-women

Suri, S., Verlato, G., & Ray, S. (2025). Editorial: The first 1000 days: window of opportunity for child health and development. Frontiers in Nutrition, 12, 1673003. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1673003

Tutok Kainan: Preventing stunting during the first 1000 days | National Nutrition Council (NNC), Republic of the Philippines. (2025, May 9). National Nutrition Council (NNC), Republic of the Philippines. https://nnc.gov.ph/luzon-region/tutok-kainan-preventing-stunting-during-the-first-1000-days/

Xu, A., Guerlich, K., Koletzko, B., & Grote, V. (2025). Nutrition interventions in the first 1000 days and long-term health outcomes: a systematic review. Pediatric Research, 98(6), 2023–2034. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-025-04215-6

This pubmat is a laboratory output for the course Nutrition in the Life Stages I (ND56A).

Group No. 1, ND2A/B
Leader: Luzano, Justine Keith R.
Vice Leader: Ontanillas, Joviah
Members:
Alibangnang, Shyne B.
Bordador, Zyann P.
Meniano, Marie Joy G.

Information verified by: Wilmar Jun O. Elopre, MSc, RND, RDN

25/02/2026

📝𝑵𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉: 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔

February is more than just another month on the calendar—it is National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, a timely reminder that many cancers can be prevented through healthier choices, starting with the food on our plates. It is also a call for individuals, families, and communities to become more aware of how daily habits influence long term health outcomes.

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫
Cancer happens when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly process. However, when this process is disrupted, damaged cells may multiply and form tumors or spread to other parts of the body (National Cancer Institute, 2023). Cancer can affect almost any organ—including the breast, lungs, colon, liver, and cervix—and is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
While not all cancers are preventable, research shows that 30–50% of cancer cases can be avoided by reducing risk factors such as unhealthy diet, to***co use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and obesity (World Health Organization, 2022).

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬?
While some foods protect against cancer, others may increase risk. Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state through methods such as salting, curing, smoking, canning, or adding preservatives. Examples include:
• Processed meats (e.g., hotdog, ham, bacon, tocino, longganisa)
• Canned goods high in sodium
• Instant noodles
• Packaged snacks (chips, crackers)

Ultra processed foods go a step further. They often contain artificial flavors, colorings, emulsifiers, and high amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Examples include:
• Sugary drinks and powdered juices
• Fast food meals
• Sweet pastries and commercial baked goods
• Ready to eat frozen meals

High consumption of processed and red meat has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal and stomach cancers (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2015). Diets high in ultra processed foods also contribute to overweight and obesity—another major cancer risk factor (World Health Organization, 2023).

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲
Cancer prevention begins early in life. Proper maternal nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, and healthy complementary feeding help build strong immunity and support optimal growth and development (World Health Organization, 2020). Establishing healthy eating habits in childhood—such as eating vegetables, limiting sugary foods, and staying physically active—reduces lifetime cancer risk.
Community programs like nutrition education, Pinggang Pinoy promotion, school feeding initiatives, and backyard gardening empower families to access and choose healthier foods regardless of economic constraints.

𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞
Good nutrition serves as one of our strongest defenses against cancer. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables supplies the body with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that help protect cells from damage. Fiber rich foods such as whole grains and legumes support gut health and help lower the risk of colorectal cancer (World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research, 2018).

Everyday Filipino foods like malunggay, kalabasa, kamote, kangkong, papaya, and saba are affordable yet powerful sources of cancer protective nutrients. These foods are rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and dietary fiber—compounds known to support immune function and reduce inflammation.

𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
This National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, the message is simple yet powerful: Every meal is an opportunity to protect our health.. By choosing nourishing foods, limiting processed and ultra processed products, staying active, and recognizing early warning signs, we take meaningful steps toward reducing cancer risk.

𝑇𝘩𝑟𝘰𝑢𝘨ℎ 𝑖𝘯𝑓𝘰𝑟𝘮𝑒𝘥 𝘤ℎ𝘰𝑖𝘤𝑒𝘴 𝘢𝑛𝘥 𝘴𝑡𝘳𝑒𝘯𝑔𝘵ℎ𝘦𝑛𝘦𝑑 𝑐𝘰𝑚𝘮𝑢𝘯𝑖𝘵𝑦 𝑝𝘳𝑜𝘨𝑟𝘢𝑚𝘴, 𝑤𝘦 𝘮𝑜𝘷𝑒 𝑐𝘭𝑜𝘴𝑒𝘳 𝘵𝑜 𝑎 𝑐𝘢𝑛𝘤𝑒𝘳 𝘳𝑒𝘴𝑖𝘭𝑖𝘦𝑛𝘵, ℎ𝘦𝑎𝘭𝑡𝘩𝑖𝘦𝑟 𝑓𝘶𝑡𝘶𝑟𝘦 𝘧𝑜𝘳 𝘢𝑙𝘭 𝘍𝑖𝘭𝑖𝘱𝑖𝘯𝑜𝘴.

//Joyce Louise Mae Reyes, PSU BSND Intern

________________________________________
𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨
International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2015). IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans: Processed meat. World Health Organization.
National Cancer Institute. (2023). What is cancer? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer
World Cancer Research Fund, & American Institute for Cancer Research. (2018). Diet, nutrition, physical activity and cancer: A global perspective (Continuous Update Project expert report 2018). World Cancer Research Fund International.
World Health Organization. (2020). Guideline: Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding in facilities providing maternity and newborn services. World Health Organization.
World Health Organization. (2022). Cancer prevention. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
World Health Organization. (2023). Obesity and overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

24/02/2026

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24/02/2026

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"Sana ang pag-ibig natin ay parang Pinggang Pinoy: Balanse at Sapat para sa malusog at masigla nating bukas."

FEB-ibig Month na naman mga ka-nutrisyon! 🥰😍 Ikaw, anong nutri-hugot mo? Ilagay mo na yan sa comment section!

20/02/2026

20/02/2026

Good nutrition is essential for a healthy and productive life. Yet many Filipinos remain at risk of nutrition- and lifestyle-related diseases—not only due to unhealthy habits, but also because healthy food choices are often 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲.

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄…
…that based on the 2023 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the DOST-FNRI,
🍚 energy and nutrient intakes across all population groups fall below the recommended levels?
Further:
🥩 1 in 10 adults has high cholesterol, while 2 in 10 adults have high triglycerides;
🏃 3 out of 4 adolescents and almost half of adults are physically inactive;
🥃 6 out of 10 adults engage in binge drinking; and
🚬 2 out of 10 adults smoke.

These figures highlight persistent nutrition, lifestyle, and food system challenges that affect health and well-being across the life course.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿

Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) help shape nutrition, health, and agriculture policies and guide education efforts toward healthier diets and lifestyles.

In the Philippines, the 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘀 (𝗡𝗚𝗙) developed by 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧-𝗙𝗡𝗥𝗜 serves as the country’s official FBDGs. The NGF provides simple, science-based recommendations tailored to Filipino diets and lifestyles to help prevent non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

The NGF encourages Filipinos to:
• eat a variety of foods in the right amounts;
• stay physically active; and
• limit salt, sugar, alcohol, and avoid smoking.

The National Nutrition Council (DOH-NNC) translated these in Filipino as the 𝟭𝟬 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 to make the messages more relatable.

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲

Dietary guidelines work best when people can realistically follow them. Recognizing this, 𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧-𝗙𝗡𝗥𝗜 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗚𝗙 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘀 and is promoting practical, food-based recommendations using commonly eaten Filipino foods, appropriate portions, and dietary patterns adaptable across income levels.

The NGF can help Filipinos make healthier choices by aligning nutrition guidance with real-life food environments while guiding policies and partnerships toward food systems that make healthy diets 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.

Learn more about NGF 2012: fnri.dost.gov.ph/images/images/standardtools/NGF-2012.pdf

20/02/2026

Barangay Nutrition Council Evaluation
February 20, 2025

20/02/2026