Food and Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin! — this year’s battle cry for Nutrition Month echoed with deep sincerity through the halls of the Clark Training Center in Pampanga as Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), together with its partners and implementers, brought together communities for a meaningful celebration on July 29, 2025.
The 2025 Nutrition Month celebration, part of the Roots to Shoots (RTS) initiative which began in July 2023, marked its second year of empowering families and nurturing healthier communities. This year, the celebration was more than just about food—it was a convergence of expertise, creativity, and public health.
With activities that blended entertainment and education, the highlight contests—Cooking Contest, Nutri-Costume, and Nutri-Quiz—brought out the spirit of fun and learning. Families proudly presented their nutritious dishes under the theme “Masustansiyang Pagkain para sa Pamilyang Pinoy, Ating Ihain,” while children charmed the crowd in their colorful, food-inspired costumes. Meanwhile, three bright pupils of Family Care Center emerged as winners of the Nutri-Quiz game, showcasing their growing knowledge of health and nutrition.
Held at the Clark Training Center, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, the half-day event ran from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN, kicking off with heartfelt opening and support messages, followed by learning sessions, contests, and a community lunch to cap off the celebration.
The program officially opened with remarks from Michelle Jeanne Calica, Senior Program Officer of PSFI, setting the tone for a collaborative and community-centered day. Messages of support followed from Armin David Rivera, Capacity Building Officer II of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), and Ms. Ma. Angelica Aquino, Program Officer of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. (BCFI)—both emphasizing the importance of sustained, multi-sectoral efforts in addressing food and nutrition insecurity.
The event was attended by community members from Barangay Sto. Niño and Barangay San Vicente in Bamban, as well as Barangay Calumpang and Barangay Marcos Village in Mabalacat City; along with teachers, parents, and children from Family Care Center – Sto. Niño. The celebration was made possible through the collaborative efforts of PSFI and its valued partners: Manila Water Foundation, Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. (BCFI), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), LGU Bamban – Municipal Health Office, LGU Mabalacat City – City Nutrition Office, and the National Nutrition Council – Region III.
A learning session led by a representative from the National Nutrition Council underlined the theme by reaffirming that nutrition is not merely a need—but a right that everyone deserves access to.
The celebration also underscored the program’s multi-sectoral approach by integrating key components such as WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), MCC (Mother and Child Care), and FSL (Food Security and Livelihood) into the RTS framework. These pillars work in harmony to uplift the overall health, dignity, and resilience of families—ensuring that access to clean water, maternal and child wellness, and sustainable food systems are prioritized alongside nutrition. This holistic integration brings to life the very spirit of this year’s theme.
Judging from the energy of the crowd, the joy on the children’s faces, and the aroma of nutritious food lovingly prepared, the day was a resounding success. The winning cooking team from Barangay Sto. Niño shared,“Masaya ang naging experience naming lahat ngayong araw. Sana ay mas marami pa ang maabot ng inyong programa,” expressing their joy and gratitude for the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned.
The event concluded with heartfelt messages from Ms. Dyan Jasmine Manguerra, City Nutrition Action Officer of LGU Mabalacat City, and Ms. Joana Marie Pobre, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer of LGU Bamban. Both emphasized their unwavering support for RTS and issued a strong call to action to further strengthen nutrition initiatives within their municipalities.
The day ended with group photos and a shared meal—a symbolic and literal feast that captured the essence of community, partnership, and the shared commitment to building a nourished and healthier future for all.
