The problem of malnutrition is still prevalent nationwide in the form of undernutrition, overnutrition and specific micronutrient deficiencies affecting a significant number of population group nationwide. The effects of malnutrition are devastating which will affect the over-all development of an affected individual that may have an impact to socio-economic development of the country.

The causes of malnutrition is varied which can be attributed to immediate factors due to inadequate food intake and the presence of infections and illness. The underlying causes of malnutrition may vary as well depending on the socio-economic background of the family, child care practices, environmental sanitation, status and accessibility of food production, access to health facilities and services and educational background of the parents of malnourished children or caregiver.

The development and dissemination of nutritional guidelines for Filipinos as a primary recommendations to promote good health through proper nutrition including the advice on consumption of foods for which there are public health concerns may guide the public on achieving good health and nutrition. The 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos, consisting of ten key messages includes both food based and behaviour driven guidelines and addresses current nutritional dietary problems. The Nutritional guidelines aim to address and prevent malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.The NGF was simplified, shortened and translated into 10 KUMAINMENTS (Sigla at Lakas ng Buhay)with a simple, concise and clear key messages and NGF icon. With messages like “Kumain ng ibat-ibang pagkain”,Kumain ng gulay at prutas araw-araw”, and “Panatilihin ang tamang timbang”, individuals are encouraged to eat the right foods, exercise right and pursue a healthy lifestyle in 10 easy rules.

The National Nutrition Council Caraga urge the public to follow the 10 Kumainments guidelines for a healthy and well nourished body and to prevent the occurrence of lifestyle related non-communicable diseases like diabetes, nutrition related cancers, cardiovascular diseases, among others. NNC Caraga held 10 Kumainments Regional Launching and Forum on November 6-7, 2014 at Goat 2geder, Butuan City and 10 Kumainments Launching at Philippine Port Area in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.#