ANTIQUE — The province of Antique has recorded a steady decline in child malnutrition over the past five years, according to data presented by the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) during its first quarter meeting on April 8.
PNC data showed that in 2021, 12.09 percent of children aged 0–59 months were classified as stunted, 2.48 percent as wasted, and 5.94 percent as underweight. By 2025, these figures dropped to 9.55 percent, 1.27 percent, and 5.51 percent, respectively.
However, the proportion of overweight or obese children slightly increased from 2.20 percent in 2021 to 2.59 percent in 2025.
Despite the overall improvement, the PNC emphasized the need to sustain and strengthen nutrition programs across the province.
Based on the 2025 Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus Report of the National Nutrition Council (NNC), Antique ranked 19th among 100 provinces in terms of stunting prevalence, with 9.55 percent of children aged 0–59 months classified as stunted. For wasting, the province ranked 31st, with a prevalence of 1.27 percent.
The Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) classifies stunting rates of 2.5 to less than 10 percent as having low public health significance, while wasting rates below 2.5 percent are considered very low.
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 6 noted that Antique’s stunting and wasting rates fall under the “low public health significance” category.
Gov. Paolo Javier, however, said the provincial government remains committed to further reducing malnutrition.
“We will not be complacent even if our numbers are classified as low. Every child matters, and we will continue to strengthen our nutrition programs to ensure that no child in Antique is left behind,” he said.
In Western Visayas, Antique currently ranks first in terms of lowest prevalence of stunting and wasting, according to NNC Region 6.
Within the province, San Remigio recorded the highest stunting rate at 19.82 percent, followed by Libertad (15.28 percent), Laua-an (14.50 percent), Hamtic (12.93 percent), and Patnongon (11.34 percent).
For wasting, Libertad posted the highest rate at 4.26 percent, followed by San Remigio (3.15 percent), Hamtic (2.73 percent), and Patnongon (2.72 percent).
Meanwhile, Anini-y recorded the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity at 3.80 percent, followed by Patnongon (3.64 percent), San Jose (3.61 percent), Libertad (3.60 percent), and Caluya (3.46 percent).
Provincial officials said the data will guide targeted interventions in municipalities with higher malnutrition rates as Antique continues its efforts to improve child health and nutrition./PN
