OCT 13, 2015

NR # 3986B

House approves 3rd reading bill regulating

practice of Nutrition & Dietetics in RP
The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a proposal to
regulate the practice of nutrition and dietetics in the country by instituting reforms in their
practice, and ensure the welfare and protection of the practitioner.
The proposal embodied in House Bill 6077 also aims to promote the efficient
practice of the profession and put the country at par with its Asian counterparts in terms of
the practice of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Rep. Neri J. Colmenares (Party-list, Bayan Muna), principal author of the bill, said
the bill was conceived in recognition of the important role of registered nutritionistdieticians (RND) in human development and it seeks to improve the practice of the
profession.
Promoting good nutrition is key to a strong and health citizenry which is essential
for the development of a productive population. Good nutrition is an investment in human
resource. Lack of education, coupled with poor nutrition, undermines the quality of
manpower resource which is critical for the achievement of the countrys goal of
economic development, said Colmenares.
The bill declares it is the State policy to recognize the importance in nation-building
and human development of RNDs who ensure the provision of adequate nutrition to the
country and the people. Hence, the State shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous,
productive and well-rounded nutritionist-dieticians whose standards of practice and
service shall be excellent, world-class and globally competitive through honest, effective,
relevant and credible licensure examinations and through regulatory programs, measures
and activities that foster professional growth, social responsibility, and development.
The proposed Act shall govern the following: registration, examination and
licensure of nutritionists and dieticians; supervision, regulation and control of the practice
of the Nutrition and Dietetics; development of the professional competence of
nutritionists-dieticians through continuing professional development (CPD); and
integration of the nutrition-dietetics profession.
The measure refers to Nutrition as the science dealing with foods, nutrient
composition, eating habits, nutritional status, and health and diseases of individuals and
populations. Nutrition is also concerned with social, economic, cultural, political,
psychological implications of food and eating.
It refers to Dietetics as the science and art of applying the principles of nutrition to

the planning and preparation of foods and regulation of the diet in relation to both health
and disease. It also refers to the promotive, preventive, therapeutic, and administrative
aspects of the delivery of nutritional services in hospitals, food service institutions and
other health care institutions or facilities.
The measure provides the Nutrition and Dietetics education program shall provide
sound general and professional foundation for the practice of Nutrition. NutritionistDieticians who have not actively practiced the profession for three consecutive years are
required to attend and pass a refreshers course and complete a related practicum both
offered by an institution accredited by the Accredited Professional Organization (APO).
It requires a member of the faculty in a college offering a program on nutrition and
dietetics to be, among others, a holder of masters degree in nutrition and dietetics,
education or other allied medical and health sciences conferred by a college or university
duly recognized by the Commission Higher Education (CHED).
The bill creates a Professional Regulatory Board of Nutrition and Dietetics, which
will have executive, administrative, rule-making, and quasi-judicial powers in carrying out
the provisions of the Act.
The Board, in coordination with the APO, and appropriate government or private
agencies will initiate and conduct studies on nutrition and dietetics human resource
production, utilization and development.
The bill also provides penalties to violators of the law, which will include fines
based on existing laws or imprisonment of six months to two years, or both at the
discretion of the court.
It repeals Presidential Decree No. 1286, otherwise known as The Nutrition and
Dietetics Decree of 1977.
The bill is co-authored by Reps. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate (Party-list, Bayan Muna),
Andres D. Salvacion, Jr. (3rd District, Leyte), Isidro T. Ungab (3rd District, Davao City),
Silvestre H. Bello III (Party-list 1BAP), George P. Arnaiz (2 nd District, Negros Oriental),
Evelina G. Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon), Leah S. Paquiz (Party-list, ANG NARS), and
Julieta R. Cortuna (Party-list, A TEACHER), Joaquin Carlos Rahman A. Nava, M.D.
(Lone District, Guimaras), Estrellita B. Suansing (1 st District, Nueva Ecija), Gabriel Luis
R. Quisumbing (6th District, Cebu), Cresente P. Paez (Party-list, COOP NATCCO), Romeo
M. Acop (2nd District, Antipolo City), Raneo E. Abu (2nd District, Batangas), Joseph
Gilbert F. Violago (2nd District, Nueva Ecija), Scott Davies S. Lanete, M.D. (3 rd District,
Masbate), and Cheryl P. Deloso-Montalla (2nd District, Zambales). (30) rbb