AS the nation observes the 50th year of National Nutrition Month, there is an urgent need for society to rally behind the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028. This initiative aims to enhance children’s nutrition, address stunting, and reverse the rise of childhood overweight and obesity, according to the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Stunting impacts 26 percent of children under 5 years old, leading to poor cognitive development, educational performance, and adverse long-term outcomes such as lower wages and reduced productivity. Since 2003, childhood overweight and obesity rates have nearly tripled, reaching a “high” classification by global standards. Micronutrient deficiencies, including shortages of iron, iodine, and vitamin A, also affect pregnant and lactating women as well as children. Families face challenges in providing the nutritious and varied diets needed for young children to thrive. A UNICEF study reveals that the Philippines is among the countries where 65 percent of children live in severe food poverty, consuming only two of eight essential food groups.

Stakeholders — including government, local government units, nongovernment organizations, businesses, civil society, and communities — have endorsed the PPAN, which outlines a strategy through 2028. However, significant efforts are needed to make meaningful progress in addressing the triple burden of malnutrition. This aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in ending hunger and eliminating all forms of malnutrition, and the Philippine Development Plan’s focus on ensuring food security and nutrition.

“As we celebrate the 50th Nutrition Month, we call on all sectors to bring the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition to life in every barangay. We urge local chief executives and other partners to implement local nutrition action plans that reflect this vision,” said Assistant Secretary Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang, Executive Director IV of the National Nutrition Council. “This Nutrition Month, we aim to raise awareness of the PPAN, as our survey indicates that about 40 percent of respondents are aware of it.” 50th Nutrition Month calls for unified support for PPAN

“Every child has the right to proper nutrition. When children are well-nourished, they can learn, play, and engage in their communities more effectively, and are more resilient to illness and crises. Good nutrition is fundamental for development and essential for nation building,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov.

This year’s theme is “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!” (Through PPAN, let’s collaborate on nutrition security for all!). The national launch took place in Koronadal City, in partnership with the provincial government of South Cotabato. Participants committed to supporting the PPAN and learning from successful PPAN implementations in the SOCSKSARGEN region.

The Nutrition Month campaign aims to boost demand for healthy diets and improve access to adequate, age-appropriate, nutrient-dense, diverse, safe, and sustainable foods. The PPAN, encompassing nutrition interventions across all life stages, emphasizes educating families and communities about proper nutrition.

Local government units, responsible for delivering nutrition services locally, are expected to develop local nutrition action plans aligned with the PPAN. Investments in nutrition should focus on the critical first 1,000 days, reaching at least 90 percent of target pregnant women and children aged 0-23 months. Additionally, interventions should address rising obesity rates through policies on reducing the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, promoting physical activity, and improving access to nutrition services.

The NNC urges all stakeholders to coordinate services in PPAN priority areas, which include 34 provinces with the highest rates of child stunting and food poverty. The NNC has recently launched the PPAN Stakeholder Map, profiling the interventions of various sectors in municipalities and cities nationwide. Stakeholders can help fill program gaps.

UNICEF has been instrumental in shaping the future direction by conducting focus group discussions, theory of change workshops, and developing an operational plan, among other activities. – Report and photo from UNICEF PH