Nutrition Program IPHO-Sulu

29/04/2026

A Brighter Future Begins With Better Nutrition

21/04/2026

A meaningful step forward in documenting the human stories behind nutrition and health interventions is unfolding in Sulu.

On April 18 to 20, 2026, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Philippines conducted field activities in Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo as part of the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project. More than a documentation effort, the initiative aims to spotlight the real-life experiences of families and frontline workers leading the fight against malnutrition.

Through interviews and storytelling, the activity captured the journeys of mothers whose children have recovered from Severe Acute Malnutrition, alongside the dedication of health and nutrition personnel serving their communities. These narratives highlight not only the challenges faced, but also the resilience, hope, and progress made possible through collective action.

The UNICEF team also paid a courtesy visit to OIC PHO II Dr. Nhamier M. Jikiri, whose support underscores the strong local commitment to the project.

At its core, the initiative amplifies community voices—demonstrating how targeted nutrition interventions can transform lives and help build healthier futures for children and families in Sulu.

21/04/2026

KaSAMbuhan Project

The KaSAMbuhan Project is a local initiative designed to address malnutrition, particularly to prevent the relapse of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) patients after completing the PIMAM (Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition) program. This project, spearheaded by the Municipal Health Officer of RHU Maimbung, Dr. Karay, officially began on September 23, 2024.
The beneficiaries of the project include SAM and MAM patients currently undergoing PIMAM treatment, as well as children who have already recovered. The project was initially funded through the support of two private organizations—One World Institute (OWI) and International Pharmaceutical Inc. (IPI)—based on a proposal prepared by Dr. Karay. The two organizations contributed ₱50,000 to support 19 children, while the remaining financial requirements were personally shouldered by the MHO.

The inspiration behind the KaSAMbuhan Project came from the tragic story of a child in Maimbung who passed away due to severe malnutrition. Deeply moved by this loss, Dr. Karay advocated for a sustainable nutrition initiative and presented the idea to the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Shiela Tan. Touched by the story and recognizing the importance of addressing malnutrition, Mayor Tan committed her full support to the project. She allocated ₱600,000 in funding and pledged to sustain the initiative in the succeeding years.
Under the KaSAMbuhan Project, beneficiaries receive a sack of rice, a tray of eggs, and other essential goods every month. Mothers and caregivers visit the RHU regularly for anthropometric assessments—including weight, height, MUAC, and Z-score measurements—and to participate in nutrition classes that promote proper feeding, hygiene, and child care practices. The RHU has also established a child-friendly play area, providing a safe and welcoming space where children can feel comfortable during their visits.
This initiative continues to bring hope and health to many families in the community. It serves as a model of compassion, leadership, and collaboration between the health sector and local government. The KaSAMbuhan Project envisions a future where more LGU-owned nutrition programs are implemented to combat malnutrition and ensure that every Tausug child becomes “masambu”, meaning healthy. Truly, the return on investment for this endeavor is far greater—measured not in profit, but in the lives and futures it nourishes.

18/04/2026

"𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲"

Cebu City, Philippines, 16 February 2026 — The National Nutrition Council Region VII (NNC VII) has filed a resolution to expand access to nutrition and health services for older persons in the region. The initiative highlights the need to address the specific dietary and wellness requirements of senior citizens, ensuring they are not left behind in essential health programs.

The Central Visayas Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) passed Resolution No. 026-03 s. 2026, titled “Improving Access to Comprehensive Nutrition Services for the Elderly,” during its 1st Full Committee Meeting Series for 2026. The measure urges government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to enhance programs that respond to the growing health and nutrition challenges faced by older adults.

The resolution is grounded in existing legislation and policies, including Republic Act No. 9994 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010), Republic Act No. 11223 (Universal Health Care Act), and the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023–2028 (PPAN 2023–2028). These frameworks support the delivery of accessible, preventive, and integrated nutrition services. The resolution also aligns with the Department of Health’s National Policy on Active Ageing, promoting holistic care throughout the life course.

Recent data indicate that nutrition-related risks remain high among older populations. In Central Visayas, 13 percent of elderly individuals experience chronic energy deficiency and anemia. Nationally, overweight, obesity, hypertension, and lifestyle-related health risks such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity continue to affect senior citizens.

In addition, the measure underscores preventive care by promoting balanced diets, adequate micronutrient intake, and regular nutrition monitoring. Special attention will be given to vulnerable and underserved older persons, including those living alone or in geographically isolated areas.

The RNC encourages senior citizens and their families to adopt healthier lifestyles through proper nutrition, regular physical activity, routine health check-ups, and participation in community-based programs. Through strong collaboration among agencies and LGUs, NNC VII reaffirms its commitment to promoting healthy aging, preventing malnutrition, and improving the quality of life of older persons, contributing to stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.// Maica Mae Himaya CTU Intern

You may access RNC Resolution No. 026-03, s. 2026 here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U-Lu0pt6Fvsl4_6azd6TdQfZshDVBnoF/view

06/04/2026

Tara nang i-level-up ang nutrition programs sa lungsod niyo! Calling all Mayors, mga Konsehal, Bokal, at iba pang local leaders - ito na ang chance niyo na paunlarin ang health and nutrition programs sa inyong bayan! 🥗🍎

Naghanda kami ng Ordinance template para patatagin ang First1,000 Days Health and Nutrition Program sa lungsod/munisipyo niyo!

Tingnan at i-download sa www.edcom2.gov.ph/lguresources/

31/03/2026

30/03/2026

"𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙒𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝" lalo na para kay baby. Ang tamang pagkain at nutrisyon ay nagsisilbing proteksyon ni baby para habang sila at lumalaki at tumutuklas ng mundo. 🥗

Mommies, para sa inyo, bakit nga ba mahalaga ang sapat at tama na nutrisyon sa paglaki ni baby? Ibahagi na ang inyong kaalaman sa comment section! 👇🏼

30/03/2026

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐛-𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞: 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧, 𝐀𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐚𝐧!

Strengthening the Link Between Nutrition and Environmental Protection, with a focus on Climate Action

Every year, the Philippines celebrates Nutrition Month (NM) to promote greater awareness and collective action toward improving the nutritional status of Filipinos, mandated by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 491 of 1974 or the Nutrition Act of the Philippines. Since 2024, the NM campaign has been guided by the overarching theme, “Sa PPAN, Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat,” with a selected sub-theme under this broader call to highlight the key pillars of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).

The NNC Technical Committee, consisting of various bureaus, offices, and organizations, has approved“𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻, 𝗔𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗮𝗻!" as this year’s sub-theme. This focus builds on PPAN 2023–2028 programs that promote sustainable and nutrition-sensitive food systems. It highlights the vital connection between nutrition and the environment, emphasizing that protection of natural resources is essential to ensuring sustainable food systems, food security, and good nutrition for present and future generations.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, largely driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and unsustainable land use. These changes alter the natural environment by increasing global temperatures, disrupting ecosystems, raising sea levels, and intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2021). Nutrition and climate change are closely interconnected. Climate change directly affects food systems by influencing agricultural productivity, fisheries, and food supply chains. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and typhoons can disrupt food production and reduce the availability of nutritious foods (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2015). In countries like the Philippines, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and marine resources for their livelihoods and daily food consumption, these climate-related disruptions can significantly affect access to diverse and healthy diets.

When food production becomes unstable, communities may experience limited access to nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and fish. This situation can increase the risk of malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations including children, pregnant women, and low-income households (World Vision International, 2024). Climate change can also affect the nutritional quality of food by altering crop yields and nutrient composition, further challenging efforts to ensure adequate nutrition for all.

At the same time, food systems contribute to climate change. The way food is produced, processed, transported, and consumed generates a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that food systems account for approximately 30 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the need to promote sustainable diets and environmentally responsible food production practices (UN-Nutrition, 2021). Unsustainable agricultural practices, excessive food waste, and high consumption of resource-intensive foods place pressure on land, water, and biodiversity, ultimately affecting the environment that supports food production.

Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that integrates nutrition goals with environmental sustainability. Transforming food systems to become more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive is essential in addressing malnutrition while also mitigating climate change (World Health Organization, 2023). Climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable fisheries, diversified crop production, and the promotion of locally produced and seasonal foods are key strategies that can help ensure stable food supply while protecting natural resources.

Scientific and development organizations also emphasize the importance of investing in climate-resilient and nutrient-dense crops that can adapt to changing environmental conditions while supporting healthy diets (FAO & International Atomic Energy Agency, 2024). These innovations, together with improved agricultural practices and responsible consumption patterns, can help strengthen food systems and promote better nutrition outcomes.

In the Philippines, the National Nutrition Council plays a crucial role in advancing policies and programs that promote proper nutrition across the life cycle. Through coordinated nutrition interventions and multi-sectoral collaboration, the Council supports initiatives that ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food while responding to emerging challenges such as climate change.

The theme “𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻, 𝗔𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗮𝗻!” serves as a call to action for government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, and communities to work together in protecting both human health and the environment. Safeguarding forests, oceans, agricultural lands, and water resources helps secure our food sources and ensures that future generations will continue to have access to nutritious and sustainable diets.

As we celebrate Nutrition Month 2026, let us recognize that the health of people and the health of the planet are inseparable. By adopting sustainable food practices, reducing food waste, supporting local and climate-resilient food production, and strengthening nutrition programs, we can build resilient food systems and ensure better nutrition for all Filipinos—while caring for the environment that sustains us.





References:
[1] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2015). Climate change, food security and nutrition. FAO.https://www.fao.org/3/i5188e/i5188e.pdf

[2] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, & International Atomic Energy Agency. (2024). Enhancing agrifood systems through climate-resilient and nutrition-dense crops. https://www.fao.org/publications/card/en/c/cc3734en

[3] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate change 2021: The physical science basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009157896

[4] UN-Nutrition. (2021). Positioning nutrition as integral to the climate change agenda. https://www.unnutrition.org/publications/positioning-nutrition-climate-change

[5] World Health Organization. (2023). Transforming food systems for healthy diets. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240076385

[6] World Vision International. (2024). Climate change is increasing hunger and malnutrition. https://www.worldvision.org/our-work/climate-change-hunger-malnutrition