NNC Region VII calls on LGUs to support optimal child development with policies, programs

In observance of National Children’s Month in November, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region VII called on local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas to introduce policies and spearhead programs designed to support the optimal growth and development of children, especially in their First 1,000 Days.

NNC Region VII suggested several nutrition-specific actions, such as the introduction of new tax laws on unhealthy food, exploring tax subsidies on fruits and vegetables, institutionalizing food-for-work programs for families, creating targeted livelihood support, and recognizing efforts of communities that maintain food gardens and livestock production.

According to NNC Region VII, these initiatives can significantly contribute to cultivating an environment where Filipino children and their families enjoy their right to adequate food and nutrition as a result of good governance and impactful policies.

This call is part of NNC Region VII’s expression of support for the observance of this year’s National Children’s Month, which carries the theme “Healthy, Nourished, Sheltered: Ensuring the Right to Life for All!” The national observance is spearheaded by the Council for the Welfare of Children. 

Apart from these initiatives, NNC Region VII also recommended other possible LGU-led activities that will not only benefit young children but also pregnant and lactating mothers. These include promoting infant and young child feeding counseling, advocating for breastfeeding, encouraging the creation and maintenance of peer or community support for breastfeeding mothers, and raising the minimum standards for breastfeeding stations while maintaining them. 

LGU-led activities such as these can encourage Filipinos to adopt behavior and practices consistent with good health and nutrition. LGUs in Central Visayas are invited to coordinate or consult with NNC Region VII for technical matters related to nutrition programs and policies.

NNC Region VII pointed out that these initiatives are all aligned with the desired vision of change contained in the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023–2028, which is to reduce all forms of malnutrition across all life stages. | PR of National Nutrition Council Region VII