Over 10,000 individuals participated in the Nutri Fun Run spearheaded by the Mandaluyong City local government on Sunday, July 2, as part of the city's efforts in promoting health and wellness to the public and in celebration of Nutrition Month.
Mandaluyong City Mayor Ben Abalos, together with Vice Mayor Menchie Abalos and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos, led the 3-kilometer fun run which started from the City Hall to Martinez Street and Fabella Road and back.
"Bilang suporta at pakikiisa sa 49th Nutrition Month, tayo po ay nakisaya at tumakbo kasama si SILG Benhur Abalos, mga kawani ng pamahalaang lungsod, konsehal, kapitan, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), mga mag-aaral, at maraming iba pa na mananakbong mula sa iba't ibang sektor. Layon po ng aktibidad na ito na mas palakasin pa ang mga programang pangkalusugan at isulong ang wastong nutrisyon, pagkakaroon ng healthy at active lifestyle para sa lahat (As our way of showing our support and solidarity in celebration of the 49th Nutrition Month, we ran together with SILG Benhur Abalos, members of the city government, councilors and barangay captains, BFP, PNP, students, and runners from other sectors. This activity aims to strengthen Mandaluyong's health-centered programs, promote proper nutrition, and having a healthy and active lifestyle)," the mayor said.
Mayor Abalos, who also chairs the City Nutrition Committee, encouraged the public to shift to a healthy lifestyle by choosing a sport that they like or join the different sports the city government is promoting such as boxing, basketball, and different martial arts.
For her part, Vice Mayor Abalos urged the public to avoid consuming junk food and sugary drinks and instead transition to nutritious meals.
Meanwhile, Sec. Abalos, who was also mayor of Mandaluyong, continues to campaign against illegal drugs under the "Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan" or BIDA Program of the agency.
According to him, the annual nutri fun run is also related to DILG’s BIDA Run encouraging every Mandaleños to be fit and healthy by avoiding the use of illegal drugs.
Celebrated in July of every year, the Nutrition Month not only promotes healthy eating but also makes the public aware of the specific diets needed to combat illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and certain types of cancers, and also how food can be the first line of defense against certain illnesses.
In 2021, the city, under the administration of Vice Mayor Abalos, was awarded by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) as the country's Nutrition Champion during its 2021 Gawad Parangal sa Nutrisyon.