By Rowena Cruz Tayabas City Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso along with local health officials with parents and students at the "TA! Kain ...
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| Tayabas City Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso along with local health officials with parents and students at the "TA! Kain Na!" event on September 5, 2024, at the Tayabas Town Shelter, promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity as crucial components in the fight against childhood obesity. (Photo from Tayabas City CICRO) |
TAYABAS CITY, Quezon - Over 600 enthusiastic students from various schools participated in the "TA! Kain Na!" event held at the Tayabas Town Shelter, marking a vibrant celebration of Obesity Prevention Awareness Month.
This annual observance, recognized every September, aims to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyles to combat the growing issue of obesity, particularly among children and adolescents.
Recent data indicates that Tayabas City has seen a concerning rise in childhood obesity rates, with nearly 20% of children aged 5–12 classified as overweight or obese, a trend mirroring national statistics that show alarming increases in obesity-related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
This community-wide initiative, spearheaded by the City Health Office, City Nutrition Section, and City Library, featured a range of engaging activities designed to promote healthy eating and active living among young people.
The City Nutrition Section, led by CNAO Marinela Chong, provided nutritious meals prepared in the local government's new mobile kitchen, showcasing the importance of accessible and healthy food options.
Chong emphasized the need for sustainable lifestyle changes and encouraged families to prioritize nutritious meals and physical activity in their daily routines, " ensuring that our children grow up healthy and strong."
City Librarian Bong Rea Tabarina captivated the audience with a film screening focused on healthy food choices, while the children also received multivitamins and creative activity booklets.
According to Tabarina , the library will continue to offer educational programs and resources to promote health and wellness in the community. She highlighted the importance of starting healthy habits early in life to prevent chronic diseases and improve overall well-being.
She also said while digital resources are valuable, it is important to also engage in physical activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Tabarina emphasized the need for a balanced approach to health and wellness, incorporating both physical and mental well-being into daily routines.
Tayabas City Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso graced the event, highlighting the city's commitment to children's health and well-being. "We believe that investing in our children's health today will lead to a stronger and healthier Tayabas tomorrow," she stated.
"Events like 'TA! Kain Na!' are crucial in instilling healthy habits from a young age and preventing obesity-related diseases." The City Manager further announced plans for the City Nutrition Section to deliver hot meals to various barangays, ensuring access to nutritious food for all residents.
"TA! Kain Na!" serves as a shining example of Tayabas' dedication to creating a healthier community and supporting the goals of Obesity Prevention Awareness Month. By combining education, access to nutritious food, and community engagement, this initiative sets a powerful precedent for other cities in the fight against obesity.
As Mayor Reynoso-Pontioso aptly put it, "Together, we can build a healthier future for Tayabas, one healthy choice at a time." Through partnerships with local organizations and businesses, the City Nutrition Section is able to reach even more residents in need of healthy meals.
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