‘P500 DTI Noche Buena budget not enough for Pinggang Pinoy’

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- The P500 budget for a traditional Christmas Eve Noche Buena, suggested by DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, is insufficient to meet the Pinggang Pinoy recommended portions of Go, Grow, and Glow foods for a healthy, balanced diet, according to Kea Cathryn M. Euste, Nutrition Officer II of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Bicol.

“The P500 budget for the holidays is not enough to achieve a healthy, balanced diet that meets the food group requirements for Go, Grow, Glow foods,” Euste said.

She explained that a balanced diet requires fresh food options such as vegetables, fruits, protein, and carbohydrates. “We need more than P500 for Noche Buena to meet the nutritional requirements of every Filipino,” she added.

According to the DOST-FNRI food requirement, half of the plate in every meal should consist of fruits and vegetables. The Pinggang Pinoy model divides food into:

• Go foods – carbohydrates like rice and bread for energy

• Grow foods – proteins like meat, beans, and eggs to build tissues

• Glow foods – fruits and vegetables providing vitamins and minerals to support body functions and immunity

The Pinggang Pinoy campaign, promoted by the government, aims to help Filipinos fight hunger and malnutrition, contrasting the DTI’s suggested Noche Buena provision.

Euste advised families to follow the MOVABA scheme—Moderation, Variety, and Balance—to prevent food waste and avoid repeated heating of food. She also recommended minimizing salty, sweet, and fatty foods, and consuming alcohol in moderation.

“Prepare a variety of healthy foods and a balanced diet. Eat more vegetables and fruits, and practice moderation to maintain a healthy diet,” she said.

The Department of Health (DOH), together with partners, conducted the Ligtas Christmas press briefing on Tuesday at A&A Bed and Breakfast Inn in Legazpi City to promote safe and healthy celebrations during the holiday season through three campaigns:

1. BiyaHealthy Ngayong Pasko – emphasizes road safety

2. Healthy Handaan – encourages balanced, varied diets to prevent diseases like diabetes and hypertension, promotes good hygiene, and advises moderation in alcohol and tobacco consumption

3. Iwas Paputok – advocates safe alternatives to fireworks and prepares families for potential accidents

The Ligtas Christmas campaign aims to enhance health literacy among Filipinos, ensuring families are Handa sa Krisis (ready for health crises and emergencies) while promoting Pag-iwas sa Sakit (disease prevention and health promotion).