Rep. Garin seeks long-term solution to malnutrition in PH

Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Iloilo First District Rep. Janette Garin, House deputy majority leader, urged the government to focus on providing a long-term solution to end malnutrition in the country.

“Malnutrition needs a long-term solution,” Garin said in an interview with ONE News on Friday, adding that problems with malnutrition are closely linked with a lack of sources of clean water.

“Another problem is the availability of safe water because this has contributed a lot to many patients [as there are children who experience diarrhea due to drinking of unsafe water,” the lawmaker added.

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Garin emphasized the need to support rural areas by promoting backyard farming to ensure children have access to nutritious food.

The lawmaker, who is also former health secretary, likewise stressed the importance of applying knowledge gained from nutrition-focused training and seminars, stating its positive impact in tackling malnutrition.

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“Solving malnutrition is not just a government’s problem but it should be a collaboration between our constituents. DOH should not stop in [having partnership or agreement] with Unicef [United Nations Children’s Fund]. The biggest problem that they have is the actual implementation on the grounds,” Garin continued.

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund reported that in the Philippines, 95 children succumb to malnutrition each day, while 27 out of 1,000 Filipino children do not get past their fifth birthday.

The Department of Health and Unicef have recently inked a partnership to strengthen health in the country to address malnutrition.