Healthy communities begin with healthy environments.

This belief brought together government agencies, academic institutions, community organizations, and development partners during the Nutrition Month 2026 Culmination, a joint collaboration of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region VII and the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Central Visayas. The celebration highlighted the connection between nutrition, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

As part of the month-long celebration, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) supported the advocacy through Run for Roots, an initiative that connected healthy living with environmental action. The advocacy run emphasized that caring for nature is essential to building healthier and more resilient communities.

Anchored on the national Nutrition Month theme, “Sa PPAN, Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” and the subtheme, “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan. Ating Pangalagaan!”, the initiative highlighted how healthy ecosystems support food security, biodiversity, and the natural resources communities depend on.

More than 250 participants joined Run for Roots, where every registration from the 6K and 12K categories was converted into one tree planted. Beyond promoting an active lifestyle, the initiative transformed every participant’s contribution into meaningful environmental action.

The commitment continued during the Nutrition Month Culmination as more than 100 volunteers from government agencies, academic institutions, community organizations, and local stakeholders gathered in Barangay Sunog, Balamban to plant 200 cinnamon seedlings.

Of the total seedlings planted, 165 were supported through Run for Roots, while 35 seedlings were donated by the People’s Organization of Barangay San Antonio, Boljoon. To ensure long-term sustainability, the BUKID Multipurpose Cooperative was provided with financial support for the first year of seedling care and maintenance. The plantation will also undergo annual monitoring and validation for three years through the partnership of Cebu Normal University (CNU) and the University of San Carlos (USC).

“Nutrition and the environment are interconnected. We come together with one goal—to build healthier Cebuanos and create a more sustainable future. Through collective action, we can protect our environment while strengthening the communities that depend on it,” shared Estee Marie Plunket, RAFI Chief Communications and Partnerships Officer.

For RAFI, supporting initiatives like Run for Roots reflects its commitment to building healthier communities through partnerships and shared action. Together with NNC Region VII, SUN Movement Central Visayas, and other partners, RAFI continues to champion the connection between nutrition, environmental stewardship, and community development.

When communities care for the environment, they grow healthier ecosystems, stronger livelihoods, and a more sustainable future for generations to come.