Pinggang Pinoy Cooking Challenge effectively communicates healthy eating

Pinggang Pinoy is the latest food guide for Filipinos to achieve good nutrition. It is a simple graphical illustration of a plate to present the concept of eating a variety of foods in the right proportions on a per meal basis. Pinggang Pinoy was developed by the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute as nutrition tool in communicating food recommendations for Filipinos.


The DOST-FNRI initiated a project called “Pinggang Pinoy Community Challenge”. The project aimed to create awareness on the concept of Pinggang Pinoy among mothers and caregivers to challenge them to apply the recommendations of Pinggay Pinoy in preparing meals.

The participants of the Pinggang Pinoy Challenge included 61 mothers and caregivers from the cities of Caloocan and Taguig. Information-motivation campaign  including: nutrition education and seminar on Pinggang Pinoy, food safety and meal planning was conducted.

Pre-test and post-test were administered to assess the learning acquired from the training. As a culminating activity, a cooking challenge was held among the participants.

A total of 12 one-day meal plans were generated. The judges evaluated meals based on nutritional aspects: palatability, originality, use of locally available ingredients, cost and visual presentation. The work attitudes of the participants were also evaluated.

Based on the pre- and post-test results, there was a significant increase in knowledge of the participants.

Therefore, the Pinggang Pinoy Community Challenge can be considered as an effective strategy in communicating the recommendations of Pinggang Pinoy. It can also be a potential precursor to adopting a healthy eating habit of Filipinos. 

For more information on  Pinggang Pinoy or any food and nutrition concern, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line: 839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_v@yahoo.com; DOST-FNRI website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST (DOST-FNRI Media Service: Press Release – JOSEFINA T. GONZALES, SRS II)
DOST-FNRI’S MomsieTM reduces undernutrition in young kids