Philippine President’s New Initiative on Child Malnutrition Receives Praise from Advocacy Groups

MANILA — Children’s advocacy groups expressed their approval on Tuesday for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent measures to combat child malnutrition, announced during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA). These measures include a new grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) specifically aimed at improving the health of children from the poorest families in the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, national project chair of the Children’s First One Thousand Days Coalition (CFDC), President Marcos’s initiative aligns with the goals of Republic Act 11148, or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Magnanay Act, which targets health and nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. Lina praised the inclusion of a new grant for children aged 0 to 2 years under the 4Ps, highlighting its potential to significantly advance public and private efforts against child malnutrition.

During the SONA, Marcos highlighted the Department of Science and Technology’s ongoing research into developing nutritious foods and drinks that could be integrated into the government’s feeding programs. He emphasized the critical nature of this initiative, noting the alarming statistics from UNICEF that 95 Filipino children die each day due to malnutrition-related issues.

Lyonel Tanganco, co-convenor of the Malusog at Matalinong Bata Coalition, also commended the targeted approach of the new grant under the 4Ps. He pointed out that it would help economically disadvantaged families afford nutritious food and necessary healthcare for pregnant mothers and young children. Tanganco extended gratitude to Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian and his team for prioritizing the fight against malnutrition and stunting, which he described as urgent human and economic issues that the administration is committed to addressing.

These endorsements from child advocacy groups underscore the perceived effectiveness of the new measures introduced by President Marcos, reflecting a significant stride towards alleviating child malnutrition and improving overall child health in the Philippines.