Dr. Susana M. Balingit has been working with various community health-oriented development programs and projects for almost three decades. She practiced medicine in several far-flung marginalized communities and focused her efforts in “rediscovering” indigenous knowledge and practices (IKP) that can be harnessed to promote health and wellness and prevent disease. The body of knowledge learned and the wealth of experience she has gained has provided people and communities with a more sustainable and accessible means to have fuller control of their health. Recommending traditional Filipino food preparations consisting mainly of locally-grown vegetables and unpolished brown rice from organically grown native varieties is a key component of her advocacy.
Dr. Susan launched the “Kitchen Klinik” segment as part of her advocacy to educate people on health benefits gained from sustainable local produce and functional food.
Dr. Susan firmly believes in healing through food and the importance of maintaining the diversity of regional food and agricultural traditions. The wisdom of local and indigenous communities can be maintained to protect the ecosystems that surround us and offer sustainable prospects for the future.
