Grace Family Helper Project Inc.

𝐍𝐍𝐂-𝐍𝐂𝐑 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦, 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The National Nutrition Council – National Capital Region (NNC-NCR), led by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa Federizo, along with City and Municipal Nutrition Program Coordinators (C/MNPCs) in Metro Manila and Regional Nutrition Committee member, Ms. Marlene Viray-Navarro of the Grace Family Helper Project, participated in the World Obesity Day Philippine Forum held on March 13, 2026, at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City.

The forum, themed “8 𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑨𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝑶𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚,” highlighted urgent actions to prevent obesity in communities. Speakers emphasized the need to promote healthier food environments, strengthen evidence-based policies, and sustain collaboration among stakeholders.

Obesity continues to be a growing public health concern affecting people of all ages. According to the 2023 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), 19.1% of school-age children aged 5-10 years old in NCR are overweight or obese, higher than the national prevalence of 12.9%. Experts stressed that early prevention is crucial and requires supportive food environments, nutrition education, and accessible health and nutrition services.

Local governments play a vital role in creating healthier communities. During Session 3: Strengthening Communities from the Ground Up: LGU and Barangay Successes in Obesity Prevention, local leaders shared how policies, programs, and multisectoral collaboration can help communities adopt healthier lifestyles. Ms. Jennily Capalaran, City Nutrition Action Officer of Pasig City, highlighted initiatives such as the “𝙒𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩-𝘼-𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙩𝙚, 𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙬 𝘽𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩” program, which encourages students in public elementary schools to engage in short bouts of physical activity. Public spaces like float parks, recognized in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge 2025–2026, also provide residents with opportunities for physical activity. Pasig City has also strengthened nutrition policies through 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗡𝗼. 𝟱𝟰, 𝘀.𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮, which sets guidelines for registering sari-sari stores, and 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗡𝗼. 𝟭𝟰, 𝘀.𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟲, which amended the city’s Salt Iodization Program to improve access to fortified and healthier foods.

Meanwhile, Dr. Olive Esquivias, the City Nutrition Action Officer of Quezon City, shared how the Quezon City Health Department promotes healthier diets in schools and workplaces. The city is implementing Phase 1 of 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗡𝗼. 𝗦𝗣-𝟯𝟮𝟱𝟰, 𝘀.𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, which mandates calorie labeling in restaurants and food establishments, with Phases 2 and 3 scheduled for December 2026 and 2027. Community initiatives such as barangay and school gardens, parent education programs, and public health installations, like the Health Totem at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, further encourage healthier behaviors.

Both cities emphasized that addressing obesity requires strong multisectoral collaboration, active engagement of barangays, and sustained community-based programs. CNAO Capalaran and CNAO Esquivias noted that behavior change takes time and that families need continuous guidance and support. Transparency, accountability, and incentive-based participation were also highlighted to ensure programs remain effective and responsive to community needs.

During the open forum session, NPC Federizo underscored the importance of the First 1,000 Days, stressing that proper nutrition and care during this critical period give children a healthier start in life and help reduce their risk of obesity later on.

As part of the forum, NNC-NCR, through NPC Federizo, signed the Commitment Wall, reaffirming its continued commitment to promoting healthy nutrition, especially in the First 1000 Days, supporting local governments, and encouraging community-based efforts to prevent obesity.

Addressing obesity requires sustained commitment and united action from government agencies, non-government organizations, local leaders, schools, health professionals, families, and communities. By strengthening policies, promoting healthier food environments, expanding social and behavior-change communication, and supporting active lifestyles, stakeholders can work together to help individuals adopt healthier habits and build communities where healthy choices are easier and more accessible for all.




Written by Nutrition Officer II Jim Andrei Victoria and RNPC Milagros Elisa Federizo

📍 Community Deployment – NSTP-02
🗓️ July 5, 2025
📌 3045 Abucay St., Tondo, Brgy. 201, Manila
🤝 In partnership with De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde

Grace Family Helper Project Inc. proudly collaborated with DLS–College of Saint Benilde for the Community Deployment of NSTP-02, bringing practical skills and educational enrichment directly to the heart of Tondo.
Three key programs were implemented to empower the community:

🍩 Livelihood Training: Donut Making for Parents
Parents learned how to prepare and produce donuts — a hands-on session designed to open up small-scale business opportunities and support family income through simple, marketable skills.

✍️ English Letter Writing Workshop for Out-of-School Youth (OSY)
Teens enhanced their written communication skills by learning how to compose English letters, helping them build confidence and express themselves clearly in both academic and personal settings.

🎨 Tansan Treasure: Product Briefing on Pins & Magnets from Bottle Caps
Participants received an overview and product briefing on how to create pins and magnets out of recycled bottle caps (tansans). This creative initiative aims to empower youth to explore income-generating opportunities through online selling or offering creative services - turning simple materials into unique, sellable crafts.

Thank you to all student volunteers, trainers, and community members who took part in this impactful day! Together, we nurture skills, spark creativity, and build hope. 💛

🎉 Congratulations, Prince Caiden Colangoy! 🥇

Regional Taekwondo Gold Medalist and proud beneficiary of Grace Family Helper Project Inc. from Sta. Maria!

Your dedication, discipline, and determination have brought pride not only to your family and community — but also to all of us at GFHPI. Your victory is an inspiration to every young dreamer striving for excellence.

Keep shining, Caiden! The future is bright with champions like you. 🌟