ILOILO – While this province ontinues to gain regional recognition for its nutrition programs, the provincial government faces a persistent burden in combating malnutrition, with many children still affected by stunting, wasting, undernutrition, and even obesity.
Data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) revealed that of the 146,264 children aged 0 to 59 months weighed during the 2024 “Operation Timbang” – covering 81.39% of the target population –6,752 or 4.39% were found stunted. Another 3,627 (2.36%) were underweight, 1,397 (0.91%) were wasted, and 3,148 (2.04%) were categorized as overweight.
“Even with our good implementation, public health still faces the burden of malnutrition,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, IPHO chief.
Despite these challenges, Iloilo remains the “Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner for Nutrition” (CROWN) in Region 6. In fact, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) central office is set to evaluate the province anew in hopes of elevating its status to “National Honor Awardee.”
“Iloilo is the outstanding winner for nutrition in Region 6… and this year, the NNC from the central office will evaluate us. Hopefully, upon evaluation, with our improving and rising performance, we can become a National Honor Awardee,” Quiñon added.
According to the IPHO, nutrition data reflects socioeconomic issues: poverty, inequality, and food insecurity continue to drive the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition in Iloilo’s towns and communities.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has made nutrition a cornerstone of his administration’s health and development agenda, stressing that “no child should be left behind in health, education, and dignity.” This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly zero hunger, good health and well-being, and reduced inequalities.
“Governor Defensor understands that nutrition is the foundation for development,” said Quiñon. “If we want to build a strong and resilient Iloilo, we must ensure that every child has access to proper nutrition for their health, mind, and spirit.”
On July 7, the province marked the 51st Nutrition Month celebration at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, adopting the theme: “Sa PPAN: Sama-Sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!” and subtheme “Food and Nutrition Security, Managing Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!”
The campaign highlights that access to nutritious food is a basic human right and must be integrated into both national and local development planning.
“As we celebrate this occasion, let us strengthen our collective commitment,” Quiñon urged. “We should not stop at raising awareness; we must act with genuine concern, a successful purpose, and determination.”/PN
