PBBM TO LGUS: INCLUDE HEALTH, NUTRITION PROGRAMS IN INVESTMENT PLAN

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on local government units in the country to integrate adequate health and nutrition interventions into their annual investment plan.

The call is in line with the government’s efforts to break the cycle of intergenerational malnutrition by ensuring the welfare of Filipinos, especially pregnant women, mothers, and their children.

“I urge all local chief executives: commit to providing your counterpart investments in nutrition, especially for nutritionally at-risk pregnant mothers, for the First 1,000 Days of Life of children and beyond,” President Marcos said during the 2024 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony in Quezon City.

The “strength of a nation lies in the well-being of its people,” he added.

He recognized the crucial role of health and nutrition, particularly in the development of Filipino children.

The President lauded local champions who significantly contributed to improving the nutrition situation in their respective localities. These include the outstanding achievements of 23 LGUs and five Local Nutrition Focal Points from various regions in the country.

“Let the best practices that you have introduced in your respective communities inspire others to create a ripple effect towards the countryside, towards a healthier future,” the President said.

“Lalo niyo pang paigtingin ang inyong mga magagandang gawain para masugpo ang problema natin sa malnutrisyon.” he added.

The President directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to include healthcare and nutrition as priority indicators in the Seal of Good Local Governance. This move will reinforce a whole-of-nation approach to advancing the health and well-being of future generations.

In 2023, the President issued Executive Order No. 44, establishing the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program as the national government’s flagship program to support low-income families by providing P 3,000 in monthly household food credits.

These credits can be used to buy food from Kadiwa stalls and authorized stores.

The President also cited the Expanded Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which will provide a P350 monthly allowance for over 68,000 4Ps households with pregnant mothers or children aged 0-2 to help combat early childhood malnutrition.

These initiatives are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) goal of achieving zero hunger by 2028.