President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday to intensify efforts in promoting healthier food options to curb malnutrition.
During a sectoral meeting at Malacañang, Mr. 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.
Herbosa reported that 26.7%—or three out of every ten Filipino children—are stunted, with nearly 3 million under the age of five affected. Meanwhile, 15% of children are classified as obese, predominantly from middle to upper-middle-class families.
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 the Visayas, Negros Occidental and Cebu are key targets, while in Mindanao priority areas 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.
The DOH said 1,000 Filipino children do not get past their fifth birthday. A third of Filipino children are stunted or short for their age. Stunting after 2 years of age can be permanent, irreversible, and even fatal, the DOH said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos calls for stronger campaign against malnutrition.”
