The average height of Filipino males is 5'3.7", while the average height of Filipinas is 4'11", according to a study conducted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In fact, Filipinos are considered as second shortest race in the ASEAN region.
(Screenshot taken from Zoom press conference / MANILA BULLETIN)
This information from the 2014 Comparative Height in ASEAN Countries was shared by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) during the soft launch of the Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program on Monday afternoon.
NNC's Executive Director Dr. Azucena Dayanghirang said that malnutrition has always been an issue in the country, and this has sadly led to stunting. "Stunting is an indication of the lack of a country's development," she said. For the past few decades, the Philippines has consistently ranked as one of the top 10 countries with the most stunted growths.
This is why proper feeding during the first 1,000 days of life is crucial to growth and development, she said.
In order to help Filipinas and their children avoid stunting, the NNC launched the Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program, where pregnant women and their infant children will be given proper access to nutritious meals.
The NNC will provide supplemental food to pregnant women for 90 days and complimentary food for children six to 23 months old for 180 days. Those who are nutritionally at risk or undernourished will be prioritized.
The program will cover 182 cities and municipalities and 12 provinces.
The NNC explained that pregnant women will be given 500 to 700 kcal and 15 to 20 grams of protein per day. This will cost around P40 per pregnant woman. Infants six to 11 months old will be provided with 130 to 200 kcal as well as five to 10 grams of protein, preferably with multiple micronutrient powder. Children 11 to 23 months old will have 200 to 300 kcal and five to 10 grams of protein, which equates to P23 per child.
The food menu will be comprised of ready-to-eat food and rice meals and snacks. The NNC will utilize nutritious food formulations, preferably by Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) technology adapters.
Pregnant women will be given nutria-buns with lipid-based nutrient supplement for the first month then cooked meals for the last two months.
In order to ensure the success of the program, the NNC will coordinate with local government units (LGUs). The LGUs will be the ones responsible for the preparation and distribution of the food packs.
LGUs, specifically the barangays, can opt to conduct cluster feeding or house-to-house ration or pick-up of cooked meals or snacks from strategic locations. For its part, the NNC will deliver the food commodities to LGUs on a monthly basis for non-highly perishable items and daily or biweekly for fresh food items.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger, lauded the NNC's efforts to improve the nutrient intake of mothers and their children.
Even as the country struggles in the middle of a pandemic, Nograles said it is crucial for the government to concentrate on nutrition. "The program is really a testament to the execution of our national food policy," he said. "This is the program that will show to the people that we are very serious in implementing our national food policy."
Nograles likewise cited the assignment given to him by President Duterte to come up with a national food policy that will help the government achieve zero hunger by 2030.