Philippines’ Muslim region introduces Ramadan meal plan
Aims to ensure healthier food choices, sustained energy for sacred activities throughout holy month
COTABATO CITY, Philippines (MNTV) – In preparation for the holy month of Ramadan this year, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has launched a 30-day Ramadan Meal Plan to ensure healthier food for the faithful, reports the Inquirer.
It was launched by the MOH Health Promotion Unit and the Nutrition Division during the “Science and Spirit of Fasting Symposium“ held at MOH Compound in Cotabato City.
The meal plan, dubbed as “Wastong Meal Plan, Healthy Ramadhan,” serves as a comprehensive guide for healthy meals during “Suhur” (pre-dawn meal) and “Iftar” (breaking of daily fast), ensuring healthier food choices and sustained energy for sacred activities throughout the Islamic holy month.
Bangsamoro Darul Ifta (BDI) scholar Sheik Sadawi Sabang Cana has emphasized fasting’s role in spiritual discipline and holistic well-being.
He said that fasting during Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink, but more importantly about attaining Taqwa (God-consciousness) from Allah.
“Through fasting, everyone is reminded of what the poor feel, as they experience hunger as well. Because of this, the heart is shaped to become more compassionate, and it becomes a way for charity and kindness to prevail among humanity,” he said.
Faith Laporca, senior health associate and a registered nutritionist and dietitian at the MOH Nutrition Division (ND), said, “The goal of the 30-Day Ramadan Meal Plan was to keep nutrition balanced and sufficient even during fasting, since the usual three meals a day were reduced to two main meals.”
The symposium also featured discussions on the benefits and safety of fasting from both medical and spiritual perspectives.
The meal plan also encourages women and men who observe fasting to take more nutrient-dense food options, such as malunggay, kangkong, sitaw, and ampalaya, than excessive intake of fried and sugary foods.
The symposium also featured discussions on the benefits and safety of fasting from both medical and spiritual perspectives.
The meal plan also encourages women and men who observe fasting to take more nutrient-dense food options, such as malunggay, kangkong, sitaw, and ampalaya, than excessive intake of fried and sugary foods.
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