South Cotabato, Philippines —The intensified employee wellness campaign of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato continues to gain ground as personnel of Norala District Hospital participated in an online Weight Management and Diet Counseling Program aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among government workers.
Hospital employees categorized under Obese II and Obese III attended the counseling session, which focused on science-based nutrition guidance, proper eating habits, and sustainable lifestyle practices.
The discussion was facilitated by Anna Ricar Teves-Lim, RND, MAHE, FPSO, CFPM, Nutritionist-Dietitian of Norala District Hospital, who emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition, regular monitoring, and preventive healthcare among medical frontliners.
Chief of Hospital Dr. Mila Quinton emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of healthcare workers, saying that healthy employees are essential in delivering efficient and quality healthcare services to the community.
“As healthcare workers, we are expected to care for others every day, but we must also learn to care for ourselves. This initiative reminds us that promoting wellness among employees is equally important in building a stronger and more effective healthcare system,” Dr. Quinton said.
Provincial officials said the initiative highlights the government’s continuing effort to prioritize employee wellness inside workplaces, recognizing that healthier employees contribute to better public service delivery.
The counseling program is among the major components of the province’s 2026 Weight Management Program officially launched in March under the theme “Healthy Employees, Healthy Workplace.”
Led by Provincial Human Resource Management Officer Freda Liza Gazo, the initiative expanded the province’s previous “Flab to Fab Challenge” and now covers all provincial government offices and hospitals in South Cotabato.
Data from the provincial government showed that out of 3,160 assessed employees, a significant number were found to be overweight or obese, prompting authorities to strengthen wellness interventions through diet counseling, monthly weigh-ins, progress monitoring, and workplace-based fitness activities.
The province-wide campaign also features the Healthy Office Category for team participation and the Biggest Loser Category for individual transformation, encouraging government workers to adopt healthier routines and active lifestyles.
Officials stressed that beyond improving productivity, the program seeks to cultivate long-term wellness habits among public servants and strengthen a healthier working environment throughout South Cotabato.
