Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Joseph A. Bautista

The College of Public Health (CPH) commemorated the 50th anniversary of its Department of Nutrition on December 4, 2024, at the Bayleaf Hotel in Manila. Themed “50 Years in Focus: Learnings of the Past and Discoveries of Today in Transforming Public Health Nutrition in the Philippines,” the event honored the Department’s five decades of leadership in public health nutrition and provided a platform to discuss pressing challenges and innovations in the field.

In her speech, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bernadette Heizel M. Reyes reflected on the Department’s enduring contributions and the road ahead. “The past 50 years serve as a cornerstone for a broader commitment to nutrition equity. The alliances you have built position you to expand your reach to underserved communities, produce world-class nutritionists, and pioneer healthcare innovations for our evolving needs,” she remarked.

Dean Fernando B. Garcia, Jr. underscored the Department’s impact, noting its graduates’ pioneering contributions to public health nutrition in the Philippines. 

The day-long celebration included plenary sessions, a moderated discussion, and a tribute to retired faculty and department leaders.

A Deep Dive into Nutrition Challenges and Achievements

The plenary sessions brought together experts from academia, government, and the non-government sector to discuss key topics.

“Discussing the landscape of nutrition in the Philippines is essential as it allows us to recognize effective strategies, identify gaps, and set future goals,” Divorah V. Aguila from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said as she began the plenary session. Aguila highlighted improvements in child nutrition, including reduced stunting and underweight rates, alongside a rise in exclusive breastfeeding. While these data improved, she warned of rising obesity rates among schoolchildren and persistent food insecurity affecting 56.8% of households.

“We need to move beyond ‘business as usual’ and adopt proactive strategies to achieve sustainable and equitable nutrition outcomes for all Filipinos,”Aguila said.

“Nutrition education is robust, but a specific focus on public health nutrition as a distinct specialization is still limited,” said Dr. Kim Leonard G. Dela Luna, Chair of the Department of Nutrition, as he discussed the state of public health nutrition education in the Philippines. He shared that CPH has produced 45 Master of Science in Public Health Nutrition graduates, 11 of which have already retired, with the active ones composed of 3 foreign students and the rest working in the academe, public health, and private practice. 

Dr. Dela Luna also highlighted the challenges in retaining qualified educators and securing resources. He underscored the need for stronger training, multi-sectoral collaboration, and better resources to support the field.

Other speakers in the plenary session include Dr. Celeste C. Tanchoco, former DOST Scientist III, who explored the research capacities of registered nutritionists-dietitians in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for stronger research support. Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang, Executive Director of the National Nutrition Council, presented on “Nutrition in the Era of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Achievements and Actions,” highlighting progress and challenges. Maria Lourdes A. Vega, Executive Director of the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines, led a discussion on the vital role of non-government organizations (NGOs) in addressing malnutrition in the country. John Oliver Estadilla, RND, MSPH, Deputy Team Leader for Operations, shared insights into the ongoing efforts of the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project. Lastly, Maria Antonia Tuazon, PhD, Nutrition and Food Systems Officer at the Food and Agriculture Office, offered a forward-looking perspective on the prospects for success in public health nutrition in Southeast Asia and the Philippines.

The afternoon featured a moderated discussion focusing on challenges in the First 1000 Days (F1KD) and Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) programs. Dr. Cecilia Cristina S. Acuin from the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food discussed the issue of stunting in children aged 0-5, while Dr. Maria Theresa M. Talavera from the College of Human Ecology explored the role of climate change in shaping children’s nutritional status. Dr. Gilbert Valerie Ulep of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies then shared insights on the current status of the ECCD in the Philippines.Reactions to these discussions were provided by former Professor Dr. Ma. Socorro E. Ignacio and DOST-FNRI researcher Frances Pola S. Arias.

Recognizing Excellence and Legacy

During the program, a special segment was held in honor of retired faculty members and former department chairs who played pivotal roles in shaping the Department’s reputation for excellence in public health nutrition. They were given plaques of recognition and certificates of appreciation, which celebrated the exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and profound contributions of former faculty, researchers, and staff in advancing nutrition education and research.

Plaques of recognition were awarded to former department chairs, including Dr. Maria Raquel L. Pangan, who served as Chair from 2011–2013; Dr. Carmencita S. Loyola, Chair from 1974–1993; Dr. Emilie G. Flores, who served from 2005 to 2007; and Dr. Ma. Socorro E. Ignacio, who led the department from 2013 to 2024 with a vision for the future. Other honorees included Ms. Sibilina B. Censon and Ms. Lina M. Dela Cruz, whose decades of service left an enduring impact on students and faculty alike. The late Dr. Ernani R. Bullecer and Dr. Lucila B. Rabuco were posthumously honored for their inspirational dedication to teaching and research.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Dr. Anna Paulina S. Rodriguez, Dr. Chito C. Permejo, Dr. Caesar Eli F. Palaruan II, Dr. Nerissa Anne J. Tupaz-Estolano, and Dr. Olive DG. Quizon for their exceptional contributions as assistant professors, shaping generations of future leaders in nutrition. Researchers like Ms. Gabrielle Anne G. De Ocampo and Ms. Teresita A. Ylasco were also recognized for their commitment to advancing the department’s research goals. Together, these 15 honorees reflect the rich history and bright future of the Department of Nutrition, inspiring the next generation to carry the torch of excellence.

Looking Ahead

In his closing remarks, Dr. Dela Luna emphasized the importance of keeping public health nutrition focused on sustainable solutions to address all forms of malnutrition. 

“With the current strength of the department, the unwavering support of our partners, and the guidance of our Lord, I am confident that we will continue to be a significant player and gamechanger in the field of nutrition,” he asserted.

As the Department of Nutrition marked its golden anniversary, it reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research, education, and advocacy in public health nutrition to address the evolving needs of Filipino communities.#