A comprehensive approach that encompasses not only the prevailing issues against undernutrition but also addresses concerns related to overnutrition, micronutrient malnutrition, and food security.
This was disclosed by Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Enrique Tayag as among the "multi-faceted challenges" that the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) will address in the coming year.
In a media forum held Sep. 5, Tayag also shared some insights on the "short-term plans" and targets of the PPAN, which has also garnered attention, not only from the DOH, but also from various sectors.
"This reflects a collective commitment to address future nutrition challenges," Tayag stated.
According to him, the DOH has already initiated collaborations with other government branches and agencies to tackle these multifaceted challenges.
"Para sa National Nutrition Council (NNC), sila po ang tagapamahala para sa mga nirerekomenda nilang standard sa nutrisyon. Kasama na po rito ang diet na maaaring makatulong sa mga bata, matatanda at marami sa ating mga Pilipino (The NNC plays a crucial role as it oversees the recommended nutrition standards, including diets that can aid children, the elderly, and many Filipinos)," Tayag said.
Tayag likewise emphasized the critical importance of the "first 1,000 days" of the nutrition journey. This period begins when a woman conceives, and spans nine months into a child's life, culminating at two years of age.
These initial 1000 days are pivotal in preventing "stunting," a condition where a child is "small for age," highlighting the significance of early nutrition interventions.
"Ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan naman po ay magfofocus sa micronutrient malnutrition kaya ‘yan po ay tuluy tuloy ang pagbibigay namin ng vitamin A at ang pamamahagi po ng iodized salt (The Department of Health, on the other hand, is focusing on micronutrient malnutrition. That's why we continue to provide vitamin A and distribute iodized salt)," Tayag stated.
For food security, the DOH is collaborating closely with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to reduce the number of Filipinos included in hunger surveys.
"So mayroon tayong plano para hindi po mangyari 'yan, at syempre po 'yung sa food security ay hindi po 'yan, maraming sangay nyan at ngayon nga po ay nararamdaman natin kung gaano kahalaga ang food security at tiyak po kami na na may malinaw na plano ang mga nasabing ahensya para sa ating food security (The DOH have plans in place to prevent that from happening. Food security involves not just the Department of Agriculture (DA); there are many branches involved, and we are now realizing how critical food security is. We are confident that these agencies have a clear plan for our food security)," Tayag added.
Likewise, the DOH and Department of Education have joined forces to ensure that children receive accurate and vital information on food, particularly through specialized feeding programs, and this partnership aims to address nutritional needs in educational settings.
He also noted that the DOH's collaboration with other government agencies will continue as they collectively monitor and address the risk of nutritional deficiencies in children and the wider population.
With PPAN's holistic approach and interagency cooperation, the Philippines is taking significant steps toward a healthier and more nutritionally secure future. (Zekinah Elize Espina)