Manila, Philippines — In a unified effort to address nutrition and health challenges, key leaders from the nutrition community and the food & beverage industry, represented by the Philippine Stakeholders for Nutrition and Dietetics, Inc. (PSND) and representatives of the food industry solidified their commitment to establishing transformative partnerships and taking a pivotal step toward improving nutrition outcomes in the Philippines during a media roundtable discussion last September 27.
Cristina Sison, President of the PSND, emphasized that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) with the food & beverage sector are crucial in addressing the nation’s growing nutrition and health challenges. She highlighted the industry’s vital role in food fortification programs, affordable nutrition and emergency food provision for Filipinos.
Sison elaborated on this vision: the food & beverage industry, in cooperation with the nutrition community, can transform the country’s nutrition landscape. PPPs offer a unique opportunity to amplify existing nutrition efforts by replicating successful models tailored for the Philippines,” She further asserted that these partnerships could enhance food fortification, reduce health inequities, combat hunger, and improve food security for all.
In a white paper produced by the PSND, “Public-Private Partnership with Food and Beverage Industry for Healthier Filipinos,” Sison advocated for establishing more substantive and transformational partnerships. She argued that the food and beverage industry can leverage the expertise of professional organizations in nutrition and health, while the latter can offer their strength and knowledge on promoting healthy diets and engage with broader audiences.
Dr. Mario Capanzana, Executive Director of the Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers (PCFMI) was also present during the media roundtable. He echoed Sison’s remarks, emphasizing the food & beverage industry’s shared vision with the PSND to drive meaningful progress toward improved nutrition outcomes for Filipino communities.
Dr. Capanzana outlined key initiatives, including legislative and regulatory support, consumer education programs, innovation and product renovation, and ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply.
“We at the Philippine Food Chamber are committed to collaboration and welcome discussions on product reformulation to enhance nutrition interventions through food fortification. We are also eager to explore new technologies that can improve the nutritional content of our products,” emphasized Dr. Capanzana.
Dr. Capanzana highlighted the immense potential for collaboration within the industry, noting that leveraging industry expertise can significantly advance nutrition research, as well as utilizing distribution networks for a wider reach of nutrition programs.
Facilitated by snacks maker Mondelēz International, the company aligns with the white paper’s goal of creating a holistic and collaborative approach to nutrition in the Philippines. As part of its advocacy, the company fortifies products like Tang, Eden Cheese, Cheez Whiz, and Tiger biscuits to offer affordable nutrition. The company also promotes Mindful Snacking—eating with attention and intention—to help consumers avoid overindulging. These efforts reflect Mondelēz’s purpose to empower people to snack right.
