MANILA, (PIA) — Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has emphasized that proper nutrition, particularly among young schoolchildren, is crucial for enhancing their academic performance and addressing the issue of stunting.
“It’s not always about the system,” Abalos explained. “It could be about these kids having nutritional problems. There is a direct correlation between nutrition and academic performance,” said Abalos in his speech at the Philippine Partners’ Assembly for Nutrition on Tuesday, where he called for the full cooperation of all nutrition advocates and stakeholders in the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) for 2023-2028.
PPAN serves as the country’s comprehensive framework to combat malnutrition and promote the well-being of children. Abalos, who also serves as the Vice-Chair of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Governing Board, stressed the importance of innovative approaches to nutrition for schoolchildren, linking it directly to their improved academic outcomes.
“This is a good crowd. This is the main ingredient for the success of this PPAN program. It’s the government, it’s NGOs, it’s going grassroots,” said Abalos.
Abalos cited the example of Mandaluyong City, where he and his wife, current Vice Mayor Carmelita Abalos, spearheaded various programs to combat malnutrition and stunting among children. In 1999, Mandaluyong was ranked 17th among Metro Manila local government units in nutrition service delivery. Through sustained efforts, the city achieved the prestigious Nutrition Honor Award in 2016.
Abalos highlighted the success of these initiatives, noting that they led to a 26 percent reduction in stunting over 50 years. He also pointed out that just six months ago, Mandaluyong students achieved the highest scores in the National Achievement Test for high school students in the Philippines, underscoring the link between nutrition and academic success.
“Through the massive strides and collective commitment of various sectors and nutrition advocates, we have addressed significant nutrition challenges from the past,” Abalos stated. “There is a direct correlation between nutrition and academic achievement.”
The Department of the Interior and Local Government, along with nine other government agencies on the NNC Governing Board, was recognized with the Philippine Partners’ Award for Nutrition for its significant role in the multi-sectoral planning, development, and implementation of PPAN. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
