ILOILO – There has been a consistent decline in malnutrition rates among children in this province from 2021 to 2023, data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) showed.
During the 2024 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held on November 21, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 6 recognized Iloilo Province as a “Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition” (CROWN).
IPHO data from 2021 to 2023 showed the following:
* Underweight – 2.98% (2021), 2.53% (2022), 2.44% (2023)
* Wasting – 1.58% (2021), 1.31% (2022), 1.11% (2023)
* Stunting – 7.46% (2021), 5.33% (2022), 4.84% (2023)
* Overweight – 3.15% (2021), 2.65% (2022), 2.26% (2023)
The IPHO attributed this the provincial government’s integrated and comprehensive strategies in nutrition programs, which are implemented in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), government agencies, non-government organizations, private sectors, and barangay-level stakeholders.
The CROWN award is given to LGUs that achieve the “Green Banner Seal of Compliance” for three consecutive years and secure a score of at least 90% in the third year. This accolade recognizes Iloilo Province’s efforts in implementing its nutrition action plan.
Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, IPHO chief, said this is the third consecutive year Iloilo has received the award.
“We have made it our priority to enhance the nutrition status of children across the province,” Quiñon said.
THE ART RESPONSE STRATEGY
Iloilo’s success is largely driven by its ART RESPONSE strategy, which focuses on the following key elements:
* A – Adequate Food Production
* R – Rehabilitation of Malnutrition
* T – Training and Capacity Building of Nutrition Workers
* R – Reactivated Nutrition Committee
* E – Education to Promote Good Nutritional and Behavioral Changes
* S – Social Marketing for Nutrition Support
* P – People Empowerment
* O – Outstanding Performance in Nutrition Program Implementation* N – Networking and Linkages with Government and NGOs
* S – Scaling Up Nutrition
* E – Emergency Response
Assistant Secretary Azucena Dayanghirang, executive director of the NNC, together with Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Sheryl Sedantes, presented the CROWN award to the Iloilo Provincial Nutrition Committee delegates.
The delegation was led by Quiñon. She was joined by Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) Dr. Wendel Marcelo, District Nutrition Program Coordinator Leni Disin, Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Ildefonso Toledo, and Department of Education Nurse Felamie Panes./PN
