President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday called on local government units (LGUs) to play a more active role in addressing malnutrition by integrating health and nutrition initiatives into their Annual Investment Plans.
Speaking at the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony, the President also directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to make health care and nutrition priority indicators in the Seal of Good Local Governance.
“Investing in human capital is the key to securing our nation’s future,” Mr. Marcos said.
“Let us intensify our commitment to breaking the cycle of intergenerational malnutrition by looking after the welfare of our people—especially pregnant women, mothers, and their children,” he added.
The President underscored the need for a whole-of-nation approach to tackling malnutrition, emphasizing that local governments must take the lead in ensuring adequate nutrition programs reach the most vulnerable populations.
He acknowledged that while progress has been made, the Philippines continues to face significant nutritional challenges, particularly in early childhood development.
Specifically, he cited findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which showed that many students lag two to three years behind curriculum expectations by Grade 3, partly due to malnutrition and stunting.
“The effects of malnutrition start at a very young age, and after a certain point, they become very difficult, if not impossible, to reverse,” Marcos said.
He urged LGUs to allocate resources for nutrition-focused programs, particularly those targeting pregnant women and young children during their critical developmental years.
“It is essential that adequate health and nutrition interventions are integrated into every LGU’s Annual Investment Plan,” Marcos said.
