MANILA — Proper nutrition during the critical “first 1,000 days” of life — from conception up to a child’s second birthday — is the foundation of a healthier, smarter, and more productive Filipino nation. This was the core message during the recent Kapihan sa Manila Hotel held at the Champagne Salon, hosted by former Senator Atty. Joey Lina, with guest speaker Undersecretary Dr. Albert Francis Domingo, Executive Director of the National Nutrition Council (NNC).
Both speakers emphasized that malnutrition during this vital window leads to stunted growth, weaker immunity, and reduced cognitive development that can result in lower IQ and poor school performance.
Former Senator Lina cited a 2023 OECD survey noting improvements in Filipino students’ reading comprehension and STEM skills, but also raised a pressing global concern: a World Bank report shows that 9 out of 10 children worldwide struggle to understand written text — a learning gap deeply linked to early-life undernutrition.
“Malnutrition does not just affect health — it limits our people’s future and the country’s economic potential,” Lina stressed. “If our workforce is brighter, taller, and stronger, Filipinos become more qualified for high-skilled, high-paying jobs, and employers gain a more capable workforce.”
Usec. Domingo cited Republic Act No. 11148, or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, which institutionalizes programs focused on the first 1,000 days. He shared findings from the NNC 2025 survey: 25% or 1 out of every 4 Filipino children aged 0 to 59 months is stunted. He also warned that malnutrition takes other forms — including overweight, obesity, and diet-related conditions such as diabetes — that also burden long-term health.
To address the crisis, Domingo said the country should focus support on 1 million to 1.5 million vulnerable children annually, assisted by Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) as mandated by law. He noted that the poorest pregnant women and young children are the most vulnerable, with an average of 12 priority beneficiaries per barangay.
“This calls for unified action,” Domingo said. “We need the Department of Health, the First 1,000 Days Coalition, NNC, NGOs, and the Office of the President to align budgets and interventions. Unlike tuberculosis treatment that requires only one dose a day, proper nutrition needs consistent support — three meals a day, every day — delivered right at the barangay level.”
Responding to a query from DZMJ Online on the value of breastfeeding, Usec. Domingo affirmed its irreplaceable role: “Breastfeeding is vital, especially from birth up to six months. The very first milk — colostrum — is rich in nutrients and antibodies passed from mother to child, offering the best possible start for lifelong health and development.”
