In the era of social media, there are multiple ways of creating content that’s easily accessible for online audiences and as a result, there is also a surge in popular but unfounded nutrition and health information being spread on the internet.

Recognizing the need to leverage digital platforms to convey science-based information on good nutrition and balanced diet, Nestle Philippines in partnership with Nutritionist-Dietitians’ Association of the Philippines (NDAP) launched the Nutrition Masterclass Interschool Competition 2023.

Open to Nutrition and Dietetics students across the country, the competition requires participants to create a 2-minute animated video that can effectively convey accurate information about topics on health and nutrition science in a concise yet fresh and creative way.

“Through this competition, NDAP aims to encourage creativity and innovation in relaying important information about nutrition and health through digital means. This is aligned with our thrust of raising the nation’s levels of nutrition consciousness and practices to help in alleviating some of the most pressing nutritional problems we are currently facing,” said NDAP President Ms. Ma. Eloisa Villaraza, RND, MSCN.

After gathering and evaluating entries, the top four teams were named in a culminating event during the NDAP 69th Annual Convention last February 22, 2024 at Century Park Hotel, Manila. Students from the University of the Philippines Diliman emerged as the Champion of the Nutrition Masterclass Interschool Competition 2023 with their video entry underscoring the necessity of balance, moderation, and variety (BMV) in attaining a healthier diet, particularly on-the-go meals or baon, for the ordinary Filipino.

“This was a great opportunity for us to impart nutrition concepts in a simplified and engaging way and encourage healthy eating habits among our audiences,” said team leader Dick David T. Ongking.

“The achievement of our students is a validation of support and quality of education they receive from UP. It also demonstrated what our students can do with the knowledge and skills they gained,” said Assistant Professor Maria Carmela C. Taob, RND, Msc, who acted as advisor for the winning team.

Runner up schools are Benguet State University, University of Santo Tomas, and University of the East-Manila, respectively. Entries were judged based on the accuracy of information, creativity & originality in execution, effectivity & impact among target audience, and quality of visuals & audio by a judging panel composed of nutritionists and experts from NDAP and Nestlé Philippines. All four winning teams were awarded cash prizes and certificates.

“Initiatives like this help Nestlé Philippines strengthen our commitment to educate consumers about the value of nutrition and how good food has the power to enhance one’s quality of life. And through the Nutrition Masterclass, we can provide reliable and relevant information on nutrition, health, and wellness to Registered Nutritionists-Dietitians in the country through engaging articles, webinars, and other resource materials,” said Ms. Ivy Sicat, RND, MPH, Corporate Nutritionist Executive and Nutrition Advocacy Manager of Nestle Philippines.