The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) brought Nutrition Month 2024 to a meaningful close with an enriching event: The launching of the Lifestyle Garden at the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N. (Growing Appreciation towards Resilience, Development, Entrepreneurship, and Nutrition), last Wednesday, July 31.
Growing Concern on Health in the Philippines
A recent survey conducted by OCTA Research in December 2023 revealed that health remains a most urgent concern for Filipinos, with many worried about having enough to eat daily. Several reports also indicate a rise in high-risk diseases among young Filipinos such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, UNICEF reports that the Philippines faces a triple burden of malnutrition, encompassing undernutrition (stunting and wasting), micronutrient deficiencies, and rising rates of overweight and obesity.
Promising Benefit of Medicinal Plants
Given the health concerns and economic challenges faced predominantly by marginalized Filipinos, several studies have explored the potential of indigenous plants in addressing health concerns. A significant development of this was the endorsement of ten (10) herbal medicines by the Department of Health (DOH), following the enactment of Republic Act No. 8423, also known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997. Additionally, further research in medicinal plants is being conducted and led by other government entities, such as the UP Manila National Institutes of Health (NIH) Institute of Herbal Medicine (IHM) and the National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP) under the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development-Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST). These initiatives underscore the value of indigenous plants in providing accessible, affordable, and effective solutions for preventing and managing health conditions.
UPOU FMDS: Sowing the Seeds for a Healthier Future
In its commitment to fostering a sustainable campus, UPOU FMDS launched its Lifestyle Garden, showcasing a diverse selection of plants known for their added values. The event was officially opened by Professor Joane V. Serrano, FMDS Dean, followed by Associate Professor Myra D. Oruga, D/MIH Program Chair of FMDS, who provided a talk of the Lifestyle Garden’s concept. Community members from Barangays Maahas, Putho Tuntungin, and San Antonio in Los Baños, Laguna, participated in the event.
The Lifestyle Garden is innovatively designed to resemble the human body, with crops planted in areas that correspond to the body parts they benefit. This initiative aims to increase access to natural remedies for individuals and partner communities who may prefer alternative resources for managing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The garden also offers opportunities for further research into the benefits of medicinal plants. With these, the Lifestyle Garden is in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing; 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; 13: Climate Action; 15: Life on Land; and 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Source: Dr. Jabez Joshua Flores
Lifestyle Garden Structure at the FMDS Perma G.A.R.D.E.N., designed to resemble the human body, showcases a unique layout that aligns plants with the parts of the body they benefit
Source: Dr. Jabez Joshua Flores
UPOU-FMDS staff and community members joined together to plant medicinal plants in the Lifestyle Garden at the FMDS PERMA G.A.R.D.E.N.
References:
https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/09/28/22/more-young-filipinos-develop-heart-diseases-doh-says
https://www.unicef.org/philippines/press-releases/poor-diets-failing-food-systems-and-lack-physical-activity-are-causing-overweight
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/04/21/2349287/inflation-salary-food-top-pinoy-concerns-octa
https://www.upm.edu.ph/cpt_news/three-new-herbal-remedies-set-to-transform-filipino-healthcare/
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/01/29/2329321/health-still-most-urgent-concern-pinoys-octa-poll
Written by: Anne Pauline Del Rosario • Edited by: Larry N. Cruz
Sustainable Development Goals
FMDS Socials