On November 20, 2025, the Dr. Rosita G. Leong Primary Healthcare Hub hosted its fifth installment of the primary healthcare webinar series, titled “Beyond the Prescription: Eating Your Way to Better Community Nutrition.” This engaging event featured Dr. Ambroso “BJ” Jumangit III, a distinguished expert in culinary and lifestyle medicine, who shared invaluable insights from his experience in Mindoro. Participants from various health professions, including medical students and general physicians, gathered to explore how nutrition can transform community health.
During the webinar, Dr. Jumangit outlined a groundbreaking community-based culinary medicine program aimed at empowering schools and communities through the integration of cooking, nutrition, and medical knowledge. Culinary Medicine represents the synergy between culinary skills and medical insights, equipping individuals with the tools to make informed dietary choices that can prevent and manage health issues.
Key Learnings and Program Implementation
1. **The Rationale for Culinary Medicine**: A central theme of the discussion was that Culinary Medicine offers more than traditional medical advice; it emphasizes practical skills centered around food that can enhance health. Participants learned about the significant benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases
- Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables
- Improved health literacy and cooking skills
- Strengthened community resilience and food security
2. **The Value of a Community-Based Approach**: Dr. Jumangit highlighted the effectiveness of a community-based perspective, particularly in reaching underserved populations. By promoting food equity and access, the program supports culturally appropriate nutritional interventions and leverages local food systems.
3. **The Healthy CHeF Program Model**: A noteworthy application of these insights is the Healthy CHeF Program, which focuses on School Canteen Managers within the Department of Education (DepEd) in Calapan City. Key aspects of this model include:
- Targeted Issue: Addressing both under- and over-nutrition issues among elementary and high school learners in Calapan City.
- Key Partners: A tri-party effort involving DepEd Calapan City (recipient, administrative support), Mindoro State University (MinSU) (technical partner, facility provider), and Healthspan Solutions OPC (technical partner, grant management).
- DepEd Goals: Enhancing the uptake of Gulayan sa Paaralan (school gardens) and ensuring compliance with DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2017, which provides guidelines for healthy food and beverage choices within schools. The ultimate aim is to increase the nutritional status of learners.
4. **Core Components of the Program and Training Lessons**: The structure of the program emphasizes several critical components for success:
- Community Engagement and Needs Assessment
- Culinary Medicine Workshops
- Nutrition Education (focusing on Whole Food, Plant-Based or WFPB Diet)
- Hands-on Cooking Skills
- Integration with Healthcare Providers
- Sustainable Food Access (e.g., gardens, markets)
Projects within the Canteen Managers’ Training program focus on practical education covering crucial topics such as the Canteen Manager’s role in child nutrition, an introduction to lifestyle medicine, and methods for healthy cooking and food preparation. A long-term vision includes proposals like the Aksyon Calapan 360 Ordinance, designed to institutionalize Lifestyle Medicine and preventive health across various city sectors, including Health, Education, and Agriculture.
Throughout his lecture, Dr. Jumangit effectively illustrated the significance of transitioning from mere dietary prescriptions to adopting a comprehensive community approach. This transformative mindset encourages collaboration among families, local leaders, schools, and organizations, ultimately fostering an environment where healthier choices become accessible and sustainable for all.
The RGL Hub continues its commitment to support ASMPH alumni in primary healthcare while fostering collaborative opportunities. Those interested in potential partnerships can reach out to Dr. TJ Malvar via rglhub@ateneo.edu.