COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) has launched a 30-day Ramadan Meal Plan to promote healthier eating habits among Muslims observing the holy month.
Health officials said the guide aims to help the Islamic faithful maintain balanced nutrition while fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan.
The MOH Health Promotion Unit and the Nutrition Division introduced the plan during the “Science and Spirit of Fasting Symposium” at the ministry’s compound in Cotabato City.
Dubbed “Wastong Meal Plan, Healthy Ramadhan,” the initiative provides structured guidance for meals during suhur (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking of the fast). The plan emphasizes healthier food choices to sustain energy for prayers and other religious activities throughout the fasting month.
A scholar from the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta, Sheikh Sadawi Sabang Cana, highlighted the spiritual dimension of fasting, saying Ramadan goes beyond abstaining from food and drink.
“Through fasting, everyone is reminded of what the poor feel, as they experience hunger as well,” Cana said. “Because of this, the heart is shaped to become more compassionate. It becomes a way for charity and kindness to prevail among humanity.”
He added that fasting helps believers attain taqwa, or God-consciousness.
Faith Laporca, senior health associate and registered nutritionist-dietitian at the MOH Nutrition Division, said the 30-day meal plan was designed to ensure adequate and balanced nutrition despite the shift from the usual three meals a day to two main meals during Ramadan.
“The goal of the 30-Day Ramadan Meal Plan is to keep nutrition balanced and sufficient even during fasting,” Laporca said.
The symposium also featured discussions on the medical benefits and safety of fasting, blending scientific insights with religious teachings.
Focus on nutrient-dense food
The meal plan encourages fasting individuals to opt for nutrient-dense foods instead of excessive servings of fried and sugary dishes commonly consumed during iftar. Recommended food options include vegetables such as malunggay (moringa), kangkong (water spinach), sitaw (string beans), and ampalaya (bitter gourd).
The Bangsamoro Darul Ifta, which serves as the Islamic advisory council of the Bangsamoro region, will conduct the traditional moon sighting to determine the start of Ramadan once the crescent moon becomes visible on February 17.
If the crescent moon is sighted on February 17, Muslims in the region will begin fasting on February 18, according to Bangsamoro Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani. (Image by Ministry of Health-BARMM)
About The Author
