A Day of Wellness, Nutrition, and Community – Workout Cookout Festival
Loon, Bohol | July 9, 2025
In line with the 51st Nutrition Month celebration, the Municipality of Loon, under the inspiring leadership of Mayor Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, M.D., together with the Municipal Health Office and Municipal Nutrition Office, successfully conducted the much-awaited Workout Cookout Festival — a vibrant and meaningful convergence of fitness, nutrition, and community spirit.
Held at the Loon Town Square, this one-of-a-kind event carried the Nutrition Month theme: “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!” with the sub-theme: “Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!”
Before the program proper, the event began with the recitation of the Municipality of Loon’s Quality Policy and the 2025 National Nutrition Month Pledge to set the tone for a unified commitment to quality service and good nutrition.
Here are the messages to include:
Shannen Jaye O. Langcamon, RMT, MD, MGADH-1 (MHO-RHU 2): She warmly welcomed the judges, participants from all 8 districts, municipal officials, employees, and guests, thanking everyone for making the event successful and meaningful for Nutrition Month.
Mayor Cesar Tomas M. Lopez, M.D.: He expressed gratitude to all who joined the festival, reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to inclusive health and nutrition programs, and encouraged everyone to keep living healthy and strong.
Pacholo E. Alcantara, RN, DMO IV: He highlighted the value of collaboration between local offices and the province to strengthen nutrition and wellness advocacy, encouraging everyone to keep the momentum.
Committee on Health, led by Councilor Marie Hazel R. Saavedra: She shared practical health tips during the event and encouraged everyone to apply healthy practices daily, affirming the Committee’s commitment to health programs for all.
Fritzie O. Vallentos, RN, Health Education and Promotion Officer Province of Bohol: She shared her appreciation for the commitment of Loon in promoting health and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of continuous community programs.
Vice Mayor Pedro M. Literatus Jr.: He acknowledged the district participants, organizers, and residents for their active participation and pledged support for more activities that build a healthier, united community.
Part 1: Let’s Move! – Zumba Workout
The day began with an energetic Zumba session led by Angela Delgado, Physical Fitness Instructor. The well-ventilated space of the town square echoed with upbeat music, as participants of all ages — from youth to senior citizens — danced and laughed together. The Zumba served as a reminder that physical activity can be fun and inclusive, promoting heart health, stress relief, and overall well-being. Participants came prepared in comfortable workout attire, showing enthusiasm as they burned calories and built camaraderie.
Part 2: Let’s Cook! – Nutritious Cookout Challenge
After the invigorating workout, focus shifted to the culinary aspect of the festival: the Cookout Challenge. Each of Loon’s 8 districts was represented by two participants, each determined to showcase delicious yet healthy recipes. Ingredients for all teams were generously provided by the organizers, while participants brought their own utensils and cooking tools.
The participants from each district picked their menu via raffle. The assigned dishes were: District 1 – Century Vege-Tuna Okoy; District 2 – Malunggabi Balls; District 3 – Ginisang Monggo at Talbos ng Kamote; District 4 – Chopsuey Sa Hardin; District 5 – Corny Moringa Oliefera; District 6 – Delightful Vegedish; District 7 – Makaditu; and District 8 – Minasarap na Mais.
In just 1–2 hours, the town square transformed into a live open kitchen — the air was filled with the aroma of vegetables, spices, and home-cooked goodness. Participants demonstrated their skills in ingredient preparation, cooking procedure, and creative presentation.
A panel of judges, composed of the Public Health Officer, Municipal Government Assistant Department Head, and Development Management Officer, observed each team carefully. Dishes were evaluated based on:
✔ Preparation of Ingredients (15%)
✔ Cooking Procedure (30%)
✔ Palatability (40%)
✔ Packaging/Presentation (15%)
Building Awareness and Connection
The festival not only encouraged Loonanons to stay active and eat healthy but also sparked meaningful conversations about nutrition security, food availability, and community cooperation. Local barangay officials, health workers, families, and youth cheered on their district representatives, fostering a sense of unity.
Educational booths and flyers were distributed, promoting the importance of balanced diets, backyard gardening, and prioritizing local produce. This aligns with the municipal government’s continuous push for food and nutrition security for all — especially the most vulnerable.
Closing and Reflections
As the program drew to a close, the atmosphere remained vibrant and filled with pride. The winners of the Cookout Challenge were recognized and celebrated: 1st Place – District 6 (Delightful Vegidish); 2nd Place – District 8 (Minasarap na Mais); and 3rd Place – District 2 (Malunggabi Balls). All other participating districts also received consolation prizes in recognition of their effort and creativity. Beyond the awards, every participant went home with valuable new skills, deeper community connections, and a renewed commitment to embracing healthy living together.
Mayor Yul Lopez, together with the Municipal Nutrition and Health Offices, extended their gratitude to everyone who joined, supported, and made the Workout Cookout Festival a resounding success.
This day was a shining testament that in Loon, nutritious food, physical fitness, and community spirit go hand in hand — because every Loonanon deserves to move, cook, and thrive together.
Mabuhay ang Loon! Mabuhay ang Nutrisyon!
LOON MADANIHON — Rise and Shine, From Local to Global!