MANILA, (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored 23 local government units and five local nutrition focal points for their exceptional nutrition program management during the 2024 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony on Friday.
During the ceremony held at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Marcos emphasized the critical role nutrition plays in national development.
“A healthy citizenry, fueled by proper nutrition, forms the foundation of a productive and prosperous society,” he said.
The president addressed ongoing nutritional challenges in the Philippines, citing alarming malnutrition rates across different life stages.
He referenced a recent study by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) showing many Filipino students are two to three years behind curriculum expectations by Grade 3, partly due to early childhood malnutrition.
“The effects of malnutrition and stunting start at a very young age. After around eight years old, they are very difficult to reverse, if actually possible,” Marcos warned.
To combat these issues, the President highlighted several government initiatives, including Executive Order No. 44 signed in 2023 to implement “Walang Gutom 2027” (No Hunger 2027), which includes a Food Stamp Program providing P3,000 monthly food credits to vulnerable households for purchasing nutritious food at authorized stores.
The administration has also expanded the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), allocating P350 monthly to over 68,000 households with pregnant women or children aged zero to two years.
Marcos directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government to include healthcare and nutrition as priority indicators in the Seal of Good Local Governance, a move that received applause from attendees.
“I have insisted that healthcare be part of that: healthcare in terms of nutrition, healthcare in terms of vaccination, in terms of access to health services,” Marcos said. “We really must take to heart the very painful lessons of the pandemic.”
National Nutrition Council Executive Director Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang thanked the president, noting that his presence reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to prioritizing nutrition across all governance levels.
The initiatives align with the Philippine Development Plan’s target of achieving zero hunger by 2028, supporting the government’s broader goals for sustainable and inclusive growth.
“Investing in human capital is the key to securing our nation’s future,” Marcos said, urging local chief executives to provide counterpart investments in nutrition programs and integrate adequate health interventions into their Annual Investment Plans. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
(Photo: PCO)
