THE NATIONAL Nutrition Council (NNC) has raised an alarm over the state of child malnutrition in Western Visayas which, despite some progress, remains a grave concern. Recent data from Operation Timbang Plus highlights a marginal decrease in rates of stunting, wasting, and obesity among children up to 59 months old, yet these improvements are not as substantial as needed.
Stunting, which fell from 7.64% in 2019 to 4.49% in 2023, wasting, which dropped from 2.53% to 1.11%, and obesity, which decreased from 2.25% to 1.79%, show positive trends but underscore a persistent challenge. More worryingly, areas such as Lauan in Antique and Badiangan in Iloilo report shockingly high rates of stunting — 22.32% and 20.21%, respectively. These figures represent real children whose potential could be forever compromised by malnutrition.
What can be done?
According to the NNC, there’s an urgent necessity for local government units (LGUs) and barangays to significantly boost funding for nutrition programs. The adoption and implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028 is vital, but without adequate funding, these plans remain mere aspirations. The current investment by some barangays, as low as P2,000 annually, is alarmingly insufficient when contrasted against the scale of the problem.
Why should LGUs invest more in nutrition? Because nutrition forms the foundation of a healthy, productive life. Early childhood malnutrition leads to diminished cognitive and physical development, affecting education outcomes and future economic productivity. By investing in nutrition, we are not just preventing health problems; we are fostering a capable, dynamic future workforce that will drive the region’s prosperity.
Also, Barangay Nutrition Scholars who are the frontliners in grassroots nutrition programs need better support and resources. They educate communities, provide nutrition counseling, and monitor child growth. Investing in their training and providing incentives is essential for sustaining their motivation and effectiveness.
The journey towards significant nutritional improvement is challenging but attainable with concerted effort. Local governments of Western Visayas must prioritize their budget allocations to reflect the importance of child nutrition. It is not merely a matter of policy but a moral imperative to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and succeed.
