Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Quezon City
March 7, 2025

“Today, we honor and we celebrate the outstanding achievements of twenty-three (23) local government units and five (5) Local Nutrition Focal Points for their exceptional efforts in improving the nutrition situation in their places, in their areas,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said when he keynoted the 2024 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony.

The annual awards rites recognized the unwavering commitment of local government units (LGUs) and local nutrition focal points (LNFPs) in addressing malnutrition in the country through outstanding nutrition program management practices, aligning with the goals of the Philippine Development Plan that targets to achieve zero hunger by 2028.

In his message, President Marcos Jr. acknowledged that while the Philippines have made significant progress in efforts towards improving the nutrition situation, complex nutritional challenges continue to exist that have greatly affected the cognitive development of Filipino children, resulting in them falling behind in their education.

To address the challenges, the President cited key government programs launched by his Administration, such as Executive Order No. 44 to effectively implement Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program and additional financial support for pregnant women and children from 0 to 2 years old who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“Layon ng programang ito na masuportahan ang mga mahihirap na pamilya sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng P3,000 monthly food credit kada sambahayan upang ipambili ng masusustansyang pagkain sa mga stalls ng KADIWA at mga awtorisadong tindahan. Kapalit ng tulong na ito ang pagdalo nila sa mga sesyon patungkol sa nutrisyon at mga aktibidad sa pagsulong ng trabaho,” the Chief Executive emphasized.

He urged all local chief executives to intensify their commitment in breaking the cycle of intergenerational malnutrition by providing adequate health and nutrition interventions for pregnant women, mothers and children in their respective Annual Investment Plans.

“To our awardees, once again, we commend your dedication, your initiatives and commitment to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in our society. Let the best practices that you have introduced in your respective communities inspire others to create a ripple effect that will move our – towards the countryside, towards a healthier future,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his keynote message.

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