“Hataw” caps CHO’s Nutri month events
Hataw, a physical fitness program aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle culminated this year’s nutrition month celebration of the city government.
Spearheaded by the City Health Office under Dr. Rodel Agbulos, the nutrition month celebration, now on its 35th year, was themed “Wastong Nutrisyon Kailangan, Lifestyle Disease Iwasan”.
The observance of Nutrition Month has been devolved to the local government units to encourage and allow greater creativity and flexibility as well as pave way for a more relevant observance in the community and barangay levels.
Agbulos said different barangays, schools and agencies have initiated numerous activities in line with the celebration during the month of July.
Agbulos initiated the hataw, a fitness and exercise program held every afternoon of each Friday in front of City Hall. Weekly, employees from the city government and other agencies participate in the exercise program.
During the culmination program yesterday afternoon, employees from the city government, national government agencies including forces from the Zamboanga City Police Office, students and representatives from the Zamboanga Red cross youths and other sectors converged in front of City Hall for the Hataw program.
The Hataw program is an all-encompassing activity and performed for many reasons that include strengthening of muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance and for enjoyment.
Health authorities believe that frequent and regular physical exercise boosts the immune system, and helps prevent diseases such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetis and obesity. Exercise likewise improves mental health and helps prevent depression.
Mayor Celso Lobregat in his message underscored the importance of nutrition and thanked the participants for joining the Hataw program.
Also in line with the Nutrition month celebration, the CHO’s Nutrition Division in coordination with concerned agencies sponsored blood screening activity for city government employees at City Hall yesterday morning.
Also present during the culminating program in front of City Hall yesterday were City Police OIC director Col. Amado Corpus, Councilors Lilia Nuno and Rudy Lim, department heads and other city officials.
Nutrition services have been transferred to the City Health Office from the City Social Welfare and Development Office effective January this year. (Sheila Covarrubias)