Manila: The National Nutrition Council (NNC) and the Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) have reinforced their partnership with media practitioners to disseminate accurate health and nutrition information across the region through the 2026 Regional NutriSkwela and Bicol Media sa Nutrisyon Network. The gathering brought together about 30 journalists and information officers to strengthen collaboration in promoting evidence-based health and nutrition messages and encourage greater public awareness of government programs.
According to Philippines News Agency, NNC-5 Nutrition Program Coordinator Emerenciana Francia described the media as one of the government's strongest allies in advancing nutrition advocacy, playing a vital role in shaping public awareness and influencing health-seeking behavior. "The role of the media in nutrition information is very important because you are heard on television, radio, print and even social media. We hope that only accurate information on good nutrition will reach the public so that together we can promote better health for our communities," Francia said.
Francia said that media practitioners are uniquely positioned to reach families, making them valuable partners in ensuring that communities receive factual, science-based information on proper nutrition. She urged media organizations to continue promoting accurate nutrition messages to help address malnutrition and promote healthier lifestyles among Bicolanos.
Francia added that the activity aims to further strengthen collaboration among information officers, media practitioners, and Nutri-Skwela community radio stations to advance nutrition promotion throughout the region. 'Sustained information campaigns are essential to addressing malnutrition, which continues to affect children's health, education, and future productivity. This underscores that improving nutrition requires the collective efforts of government agencies, media organizations, and communities,' she said.
DOH-5 Regional Director Dr. Voltaire Guadalupe said that communication is essential to achieving better public health outcomes, as accurate and timely information enables communities to make informed decisions and access government health services. "We cannot underestimate the value of communication in health," Guadalupe said, expressing confidence that stronger collaboration between health agencies and the media would improve public awareness and expand access to health programs in the region.
The health official said the DOH will continue working closely with media organizations to promote priority programs in nutrition, immunization, healthy lifestyles, disaster preparedness, and the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases. He also emphasized the need to combat misinformation about government health interventions, particularly deworming, and emphasized that medicines used by the DOH have long been tested and proven safe and effective worldwide.
Guadalupe urged parents to use verified health info and consult health professionals, emphasizing accurate communication to boost public trust in government health programs.
