ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The National Nutrition Council (NNC)-9 has raised deep concerns about the lingering malnutrition issues in the Zamboanga Peninsula, emphasizing the need for comprehensive nutrition programs to address food insecurity and improve the region’s health status.
Information Officer Elton Peligrino of NNC-9 highlighted the “triple burden of malnutrition” affecting the region, which includes undernutrition, overnutrition, and hidden hunger due to micronutrient deficiencies.
“Our biggest concern remains undernutrition, particularly among children aged 0-59 months, who suffer from being underweight, wasting, and stunting. At the same time, we also face problems related to overnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies,” he said.
Based on the first quarter of 2024’s local nutrition survey, stunting in the region stands at 5.2 percent, underweight cases have slightly improved from 3.5% last year to 3.0% this year, and wasting rates decreased from two percent to 1.5 percent.
Meanwhile, the prevalence of overnutrition/obesity declined from 1.53 percent to 1.35 percent. “Overall, we are seeing improvements in these indicators, but there is still a long way to go,” he noted.
Despite these slight improvements, the region’s malnutrition rates remain among the highest in the country.
“What’s alarming is that our food insecurity rates are significantly higher compared to the national average,” Peligrino said.
Based on the National Nutrition Survey, the region is among those with the highest food insecurity problems.
Peligrino attributed the alarming nutrition situation to poverty, hunger, and an intergenerational cycle of malnutrition, exacerbated by early pregnancies.
“We have recorded cases of pregnancy as young as nine years old. Children who lack proper nutrition are more likely to become young mothers, which perpetuates the cycle of malnutrition,” he stressed.
To break away from this cycle, he emphasized the importance of proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and the correct initiation of complementary feeding. NNC-9 also called on local government units (LGUs) to advocate and fund nutrition programs effectively.
The NNC-9 continues to promote national nutrition initiatives, including the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, the “Ten Kumainments” (10 Nutrition Commandments), and the “Pinggang Pinoy” dietary guide. Promoting food availability at home through initiatives like Food Always in the Home (FAITH), organic food production, and healthy eating habits is essential. (EDT/MLE/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)
