Unicef urges PH local execs to implement local nutrition plans

MANILA, Philippines — Unicef and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) have urged local government units to implement local nutrition plans, including policies that seek to reduce the consumption of unhealthy food and beverages.

Unicef and the NNC made the call during the launch of this year’s theme of the Philippine Plan of Action on Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028 in Koronadal City on Monday, July 1. The theme is “Through PPAN, let’s collaborate on nutrition security for all!”

“As we celebrate the 50th Nutrition Month, we call on all sectors of society to support the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition [to] come alive in each and every barangay. We encourage local chief executives, and other partners to implement local nutrition action plans that reflect this vision,” said Assistant Secretary Azucena Dayanghirang, executive director of the NNC.

READ: 5-year plan to fight malnutrition formed

Unicef said local government units should implement local nutrition plans such as “interventions in the critical first 1,000 days that must reach at least 90 percent of target pregnant women and children 0-23 months old.”

They should also craft policies that seek to reduce the marketing and consumption of unhealthy food and beverages, the agency added.

As the Philippines remains one of the countries where 65 percent of children live in severe food poverty, the NNC also encouraged sectors to support PPAN priority areas where 34 provinces exhibit the highest rates of child stunning and food poverty.

READ: Unicef: 2 million Filipino children severely food poor

This year’s PPAN theme emphasizes the national plan to prioritize nutrition wellness, and combat stunting and childhood overweight and obesity. The key nutrition framework aims to increase demand and promote healthier and sustainable diets and nutrition education among families.

Unicef Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov has acknowledged every child’s right to proper nutrition and the positive impact on their well-being.

“When children are well-nourished, they can better learn, play, and engage in their communities, while also being more resilient in the face of illness and crises,” Dendevnorov said.

The nutrition plan is in line with the country’s commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals; the 2025 Global Targets for Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition; the UN Decade of Action for Nutrition 2016-2025; and the ASEAN Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Nutrition 2018-2030.