DOST-FNRI: Invest in healthy lifestyle

Lifestyle | Health & Family Posted on 2026-03-11 03:41:54

ILOILO CITY — The Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) is encouraging policymakers to invest in programs that promote and maintain healthy lifestyles to help reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases.

Ma. Lilibeth Dasco, supervising science research specialist at DOST-FNRI, said one key strategy is creating safe spaces for physical activity in schools, communities, and workplaces. These spaces can help improve both physical and mental health.

“Mag-build ng safe spaces for physical activities in schools, communities and workplaces and then mag-advance ng strong agenda on healthy lifestyle through accessible nutrition education, affordable healthy food options, and community exercise activities,” Dasco said during the regional dissemination forum of the National Nutrition Survey 2023.

Results of the survey show that many people in Western Visayas are not physically active enough. About 77.7 percent of adolescents, 44.2 percent of adults, and 52.2 percent of older persons do not get the recommended level of physical activity.

For adolescents aged 10 to 17, being insufficiently active means doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity each day. For adults aged 18 and above, it means not meeting the recommended amount of moderate and vigorous physical activity within a week.

The survey also found that alcohol consumption, including binge drinking, remains common among adolescents, adults, and older persons in the region. Adults recorded the highest rates of both regular alcohol drinking and binge drinking.

Meanwhile, high blood pressure was found to be more common among older persons, with a 29.4 percent prevalence rate, compared to 11.3 percent among adults aged 20 to 59.

“Ang importante talaga is invest in nutrition kasi ‘yung return of investment natin ay malaki kasi pag healthy ‘yung population, mas productive sila,” Dasco explained.

The DOST-FNRI is mandated to conduct research that determines the nutritional status of Filipinos, identifies its causes and effects, and develops possible solutions.

The National Nutrition Survey is a comprehensive nationwide survey conducted by DOST-FNRI every five years since 1978. The 2023 survey is the latest edition.

The survey includes several components such as anthropometry, biochemical analysis, dietary assessment, clinical and health evaluation, socio-economic data, participation in government programs, food security, maternal health and nutrition, infant and young child feeding (IYCF), food environment, and mental health and nutrition.

NPO News Team | PIA Philippine Information Agency - PR

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