IPHO urges prioritization of nutrition programs

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has called on local government units (LGUs) within the province to allocate substantial budgets for their local nutrition programs to effectively tackle the persistent issue of malnutrition in the community.

In a press conference held on July 9, coinciding with the Nutrition Month celebration by the provincial government, IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon emphasized the importance of a collective effort to reduce malnutrition rates, specifically conditions like stunting, wasting, overweight, and undernutrition.

“We are urging all LGUs to ensure they have a budget for their Local Nutrition Action Plan to address this issue because we know that a stunted body will lead to a stunted brain and a stunted life. We need to address this now, or else it will continue into the next generation,” Quiñon said.

Dr. Quiñon stressed that sustainable nutrition projects require significant funding, and she assured that the provincial government is prepared to support these efforts through various partnerships.

These partners include the National Nutrition Council (NNC), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Dr. Wendel Marcelo, the province’s Nutrition Action Officer, highlighted that addressing malnutrition requires a holistic approach that goes beyond merely providing food. Programs aimed at improving the health and socio-economic status of families are crucial.

Marcelo also acknowledged the contributions of different stakeholders in reducing malnutrition in Iloilo.

Notable interventions include the Mingo Meals Nutrition Program by the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation, the Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) by the Department of Health, the Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program by the National Nutrition Council (NNC), and various initiatives by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Meanwhile, the province, while no specific timeline has been set, targets to transform Iloilo into a “malnutrition-free province.” The initiative was underscored during the kick-off of the Nutrition Month celebration on July 8, themed “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!” (Through PPAN, let’s collaborate on nutrition security for all!).

During the event, a Nutrition Month pledge was signed to support the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028, which aims to address child stunting, overweight, obesity, and persistent food insecurity among Filipinos.

Recent data from Iloilo showed a decline in malnutrition rates among children aged zero to 59 months from 2019 to 2023, with underweight, wasting, stunting, and overweight percentages all decreasing over the years.

Quiñon emphasized that addressing malnutrition is crucial for achieving the development goals set by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., aiming for a robust, progressive, globally competitive, and resilient Iloilo.

Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias linked the state of nutrition directly to educational outcomes, citing the detrimental effects of malnutrition on children’s learning abilities.

“We see the impact of malnutrition on the education status of our children, with about 80 percent in Grade 3 unable to read. The primary reason for dropping out of school is still hunger and poverty,” Banias said.

Marcelo further noted the need for continued support from local chief executives of the 43 LGUs in Iloilo to further improve the malnutrition status.