Manila: House Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III on Monday emphasized the urgent need to implement the House-approved National Nutrition Program following new government data indicating a rise in child stunting nationwide. This priority reform aims to expand nutrition interventions for Filipino children, mothers, and vulnerable sectors.
According to Philippines News Agency, findings from the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) revealed that child stunting increased to 25.3 percent in 2025. This data validates the House of Representatives' decision to prioritize House Bill (HB) No. 9466. Dy, one of the principal authors, highlighted that hunger and malnutrition are not merely health issues but also impact education, economics, and nation-building.
The House approved HB 9466 on its third and final reading before adjourning the First Regular Session in early June. This approval acknowledges that nutritional deprivation during a child's formative years can have a lifelong impact on learning, development, and productivity. The latest data underscores warnings from educators, health workers, and community leaders about the interconnectedness of the learning and nutrition crises.
HB 9466 aims to transform Republic Act No. 11037, known as the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, into a comprehensive National Nutrition Program. This program targets all learners from Kindergarten to Grade 3, undernourished learners from Grades 4 to 12, nutritionally at-risk pregnant learners, children with disabilities, indigenous learners, and other vulnerable groups. It also strengthens maternal nutrition interventions, micronutrient supplementation, milk feeding, sanitation and hygiene programs, nutrition education, and support for local farmers and fisherfolk.
Dy emphasized that government services should reach those in greatest need, as a child's hunger affects classroom performance, educational outcomes, and future opportunities. He stressed the importance of addressing malnutrition to improve educational quality, stating that the issues are inseparable.
Furthermore, Dy expressed support for the Second Congressional Commission on Education's (EDCOM 2) call for stronger coordination among government agencies, local government units, schools, healthcare providers, and communities. He stated that nutrition reform requires a sustained whole-of-government effort.
The proposed National Nutrition Program is among the priority measures identified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Proclamation No. 1318. The President called Congress to a special session on June 17, including amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act among the measures for urgent consideration, alongside proposals on education, healthcare, and social protection.
