Ilocos norte: Malnutrition rate among children under five in Ilocos Norte has continued to decline over the past four years due to government efforts like supplementary feeding and maternal nutrition education.

According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Nutrition Action Office (PNAO) head Elma Irapta emphasized that the results symbolize the local government units' commitment to advancing nutrition programs and promoting healthier, well-nourished communities across the province. "With this, we will continue to advocate for the Pinggang Pinoy, a food guide on the recommended proportion by food groups in every meal, intended specifically for Filipinos," she said.

As part of the PNAO's plans and projects this year, Irapta highlighted that the focus will remain on supplementary feeding for pregnant and lactating women, as well as for children aged 5 and below.

Provincial data on the nutrition situation indicated a decrease in the prevalence of stunting, which declined to 5.1 percent in 2025, down from 5.69 percent in 2024, 4.55 percent in 2023, and 5.06 percent in 2022. Stunting occurs when poor nutrition, recurrent infections, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation impair growth and development in children.

Irapta mentioned that the prevalence rates for stunting and combined overweight and obesity are classified as low under the World Health Organization prevalence cut-off values for public health significance.

To sustain improvements in malnutrition, nutrition education and government interventions will be prioritized in Currimao, Bacarra, Badoc, and Dingras, where rates of stunting, undernutrition, wasting, overweight, and obesity were highest based on the 2025 Operation Timbang results for pre-schoolers.

Source: Philippine News Agency