ILOILO City – For the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Department of Health (DOH) is urging Western Visayans to step away from traditional fatty and sugary dishes and go for healthier meals instead.
Its campaign encourages nutrient-rich options in place of popular holiday food such as lechon, ham, spaghetti, and salads high in fat and sugar.
DOH Region 6 has kicked off its “Ligtas Christmas Campaign” which promotes a “Healthy Handaan” alongside other programs like “BiyaHealthy” and “Iwas Paputok”, all designed to ensure a safe and healthy holiday season for families.
The campaign slogan, “Pamilyang Patok pag-Kumpleto at Ligtas”, aims to inspire healthier celebrations.
Health Program Officer II Neil Johnfel Salvacion of DOH-6’s Health Promotion Unit explained that fatty and sweet food commonly served during the holidays increase health risks, potentially leading to conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The department hopes to mitigate these risks by promoting a shift towards balanced and nutritious holiday meals.
Salvacion emphasized the “Pinggang Pinoy” plate, which highlights a balanced intake of “go, grow, and glow” foods to ensure an appropriate level of nutrition.
He noted that the ideal holiday meal should prioritize fruits and vegetables, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional dishes.
“We understand that Filipinos enjoy festive meals during holidays, but we encourage a healthier celebration by focusing on the healthy options available through Pinggang Pinoy. This shift can help prevent health issues that often arise from unhealthy eating during the holidays,” said Salvacion.
Acknowledging the challenge of changing a long-held tradition, Salvacion admitted that it would take time to create a significant shift in holiday meal practices.
However, he remains optimistic that, with continued efforts and support from government agencies, local government units, and the media, awareness about the benefits of a healthier holiday spread will grow.
Households can still enjoy desserts, Salvacion said, but he recommended alternatives such as vegetable or fruit salads instead of the traditional macaroni salad.
“It’s a gradual process. While it’s a Filipino tradition to celebrate with rich meals, we hope to encourage behavioral change over time, leading to healthier dining choices during the holidays,” Salvacion added./PN
