President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday to intensify efforts in promoting healthier food options, with the aim of curbing malnutrition and stunting through unified government action.
During a sectoral meeting at Malacañang, Marcos convened with DOH officials and representatives from other agencies to assess the implementation of the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) program, which focuses on improving nutrition for children.
“We have to educate people to eat healthier options,” President Marcos stated. “The main point is how we consolidate all these initiatives.”
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa acknowledged existing gaps in coordination and areas of redundancy within current efforts.
The President urged the DOH to prioritize 34 areas identified under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), where stunting and malnutrition are prevalent.
In Luzon, provinces such as Pangasinan, Isabela, and Cavite are among the focus areas. In Visayas, Negros Occidental and Cebu are key targets, while Mindanao priorities include Zamboanga del Norte, Bukidnon, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The DOH aims to promote the “Pinggang Pinoy” model, which emphasizes balanced meals consisting of rice, vegetables, and protein.
