Cainta embraces Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! Program

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) in collaboration with Department of Health (DOH) and Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) formed ties with the Cainta local government to launch the Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! 2019 Program.

The ceremonial contract signing held last September 20, 2019 at Cainta Elementary School was graced by former DOH Undersecretary and Mag -Pinggang-Pinoy® Tayo! 2019 Technical Working Group (TWG) Chairman Dr. Ethelyn P. Nieto, Cainta Mayor Johnielle Kieth Nieto, Cainta Vice Mayor Ace Bernardo Servillon, DOH CALABARZON Division Chief Dr. Noel Pasion, FNRI Science Research Specialist II Ms. Jovina B. Sandoval, and APC Group President Tsutomu Nara.

The country has been facing decades-long phenomenon called “Double Burden of Malnutrition”, which the World Health Organization (WHO) defined as the “coexistence of undernutrition along with overweight and obesity, or diet-related noncommunicable diseases, within individuals, households and populations, and across the lifecourse.”.

In 2018, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation partnered with government agencies to conduct the pilot run of Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! in order to raise awareness and promote the practice of Pinggang Pinoy® in malnutrition hotspots in Quezon City, Kalookan, Malabon and Navotas. This year, the public-private alliance brings the program to Cainta to educate its homemakers on the causes and effects of the Double Burden of Malnutrition and make available practical tips on how to serve Pinggang Pinoy® using Ajinomoto’s delicious, healthy, easy-to-prepare and affordable recipes.

Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! 2019 Program aims to unite Cainta to adopt Pinggang Pinoy® and promote healthier eating habits to fight Double Burden of Malnutrition.

The program’s TWG, led by Dr. Nieto, has started to convene representatives from the four (4) institutions to develop modules for homemakers, barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars based on careful nutrition needs assessment. The education and livelihood programs as well as the improvement evaluation will ensue until year 2020. Cainta Government also expressed their strong commitment to promote the practice of Pinggang Pinoy® in the whole municipality.

APC President Tsutomu Nara conveyed his gratitude to the program’s stakeholders saying, “We all came here today to mark the beautiful changes that will happen in CAINTA! And I thank all of you for showing your commitment. This event is a milestone that aims for a healthier citizenry to fight Double Burden of Malnutrition, not only in Cainta but in the Philippines.”.

For updates about Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo!, visit www.ajinomoto.com.ph and facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH.

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The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies.

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society.

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 35 countries and regions, and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. In fiscal 2018, sales were 1.1274 trillion yen (10.1 billion U.S. dollars). To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

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Cainta Mayor Johnielle Kieth Nieto addressed the participants explaining his advocacy to improve health and nutrition status of the citizens of Cainta.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation Group President Tsutomu Nara delivered speech expressing commitment and support to the implementation of Mag-Pinggang Pinoy® Tayo! Program in Cainta.

Contract signing participants (right to left)

Cainta Mayor Johnielle Kieth Nieto, Former DOH Undersecretary and Mag -Pinggang-Pinoy® Tayo! 2019 Technical Working Group (TWG) Chairman Dr. Ethelyn Nieto, DOH CALABARZON Division Chief Dr. Noel Pasion, FNRI Science Research Specialist Ms. Jovina Sandoval, and APC Group President Tsutomu Nara. Also present are Technical Working Group Committee members (standing from right to left) Cainta Municipal Health Officer Dr. Edgardo Gonzaga,  Nutritionist- Dietitian Ms. Fely Velandria, RND, MSc.,  Ajinomoto Director Mr. Andrew Ong and Health Marketing Specialist Mr. Joevin Eusebio.