ii

ISSN

Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028

Published every six years by the National Nutrition Council

Nutrition Building 2332 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Taguig City, Philippines 1630
Telephone No.: +632-8892-4271
Email address: [email protected]

Editorial Team

National Nutrition Council

Asec. Azucena M. Dayanghirang, MD, MCH, CESO III · Rita D. Papey ·Jovita B. Raval ·
Ellen Ruth F. Abella · Jasmine Anne DF. Tandingan · Axell M. Alterado ·
Reginaldo T. Guillen · Arlene R. Reario · Strawberry F. Alberto · Marivic S. Samson ·
Jesel R. Bagos · Jaira Denisse Pedraja · April Jasmine May C. Ducusin · Kristine Marie N.
Benavidez-Fabi · Enah Eunice R. Calanog · Rachel B. Mangao · Christine Jane B. Almira ·
Julia Marie S. Los Baños · Maria Camille Andrea L. Hari · Jomarie L. Tongol ·
Ma. Queenie Rose G. Amosco-de Jesus · Pamela Diane B. Yanga · Irish Liezl R. Fuentes ·
Kristian Jebsen B. Bandong

United Nations Children's Fund

Alice Nkoroi
Rene Gerard C. Galera Jr.
Maria Evelyn P. Carpio
Xavier Foulquier
Frederich Christian S. Tan

World Food Programme

Carleneth Fernandez-San Valentin
Kristine Jane S. Atienza

An electronic copy of this publication can be downloaded at: https://www.nnc.gov.ph.

This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-profit purposes without prior
permission, provided credit is given to the NNC. A copy of the reprinted or adapted version
would be appreciated.

Suggested Citation:
National Nutrition Council. Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028.
Taguig City, Philippines, 2023.

iii
 The PPAN 2023-2028 is dedicated to every Lolo, Lola, Tatay, Nanay, Tito, Tita,
Ate, Kuya, and Bunso.

Acknowledgement is given to the individuals and organizations who contributed in the

development of the PPAN 2023-2028.

A call to action to the stakeholders who in one way or another, will implement the
Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028.

iv
NNC GOVERNING BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 1, SERIES OF 2023
APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE PPAN 2023-2028.......................................... viii
MESSAGES ........................................................................................................................... xi
LIST OF ACRONYMS .................................................................................................... xxix
LIST OF TABLES ..........................................................................................................xxxiii
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ xxxiv
LIST OF ANNEXES ........................................................................................................ xxxv
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER 1: Introduction .................................................................................................. 8
Overview of the PPAN 2023-2028 .................................................................................... 8
PPAN in the Development Spectrum ................................................................................ 8
The PPAN Formulation Process ........................................................................................ 9
Guiding Principles ........................................................................................................... 10
Risks and Assumptions .................................................................................................... 11
CHAPTER 2: Food and Nutrition Security Situation ...................................................... 14
Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW) ........................................................................... 15
Children 0-23 months ...................................................................................................... 16
Children 2-5 Years Old .................................................................................................... 17
School Age-Children (5-9 years) ..................................................................................... 19
Adolescents (10-18 years)................................................................................................ 19
Adults (19-59 years) ........................................................................................................ 20
Older Adults (60 years and above) .................................................................................. 21
Causality of Malnutrition ................................................................................................. 22
Effect of COVID-19 to the nutrition situation ................................................................. 25
Conceptual Framework on the Determinants of Maternal and Child Nutrition .............. 26
CHAPTER 3: Gains, Challenges and Lessons .................................................................. 27
Gains ................................................................................................................................ 27
Achievement of nutrition outcomes ........................................................................... 27
Gains in improving the policy environment for nutrition improvement ................... 29

v
 Administrative Issuances on Nutrition............................................................................. 30
Zero Hunger initiatives .............................................................................................. 30
NNC Governing Board Resolutions .......................................................................... 30
Nutrition specific programs ............................................................................................. 31
Infant and Young Child Feeding................................................................................ 31
Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition ......................................................... 32
National Dietary Supplementation Program .............................................................. 32
Mandatory Food Fortification .................................................................................... 33
Micronutrient Supplementation ................................................................................. 33
Nutrition in Emergencies ........................................................................................... 33
National Nutrition Promotion Program for Behavior Change ................................... 34
Overweight and Obesity Management and Prevention Program ............................... 36
Nutrition-sensitive programs ........................................................................................... 38
LGU Mobilization strategy .............................................................................................. 39
Challenges ........................................................................................................................ 39
Lessons............................................................................................................................. 41
CHAPTER 4: Strategic Framework .................................................................................. 43
Theory of Change ............................................................................................................ 45
Desired Output Results .................................................................................................... 47
PPAN Desired Vision of Change and Outcome Targets ................................................. 47
PPAN Results Framework ............................................................................................... 50
Nutrition-Specific Interventions ................................................................................ 52
Nutrition-Sensitive Interventions ............................................................................... 53
CHAPTER 5: Institutional Arrangement ......................................................................... 60
Management and Operationalization of the PPAN .......................................................... 60
National level coordination .............................................................................................. 62
Regional level coordination ............................................................................................. 62
Sub-national level coordination ....................................................................................... 63
Multi-Sectoral coordination ............................................................................................. 65
Nutrition in Emergencies ................................................................................................. 65
CHAPTER 6: Monitoring and Evaluation ........................................................................ 66
CHAPTER 7: Financing the PPAN 2023-2028 ................................................................. 67
Financial Targets by Key Outcome ................................................................................. 68
Unfunded Targets............................................................................................................. 69
Guiding Principles on Financing ..................................................................................... 69
Modes of Financing ......................................................................................................... 70
Financial Monitoring and Oversight ................................................................................ 71

vi
CHAPTER 8: Implementing the PPAN 2023-2028 .......................................................... 72
PPAN Priority Areas ........................................................................................................ 72
Implementation Plan ........................................................................................................ 74
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................... 75
ANNEXES ........................................................................................................................... 80
Annex 1: Roles of Agencies in PPAN ............................................................................. 80
NNC-member Agencies and their Roles and Functions in PPAN ............................. 80
Other Government Agencies with Nutrition Supporting Functions ....................... 85
Annex 2: Computation of Need Score to identify PPAN Priority Provinces .................. 86
Annex 3: PPAN 2023-2028 Results Framework ............................................................. 90
Healthier Diets ........................................................................................................... 90
Better Nutrition Practices ........................................................................................... 96
Improved Access to Quality Services ...................................................................... 101
Enabling Environment ............................................................................................. 106
Annex 4: PPAN 2023-2028 Implementation Plan ......................................................... 109
Healthier Diets ......................................................................................................... 109
Better Nutrition Practices ......................................................................................... 126
Improved Access to Quality Services ...................................................................... 134
Enabling Environment ............................................................................................. 138

vii
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Health
NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL

National Nutrition Council Governing Board

Resolution No. 1, Series of 2023

APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE PHILIPPINE PLAN OF ACTION

FOR NUTRITION 2023-2028

WHEREAS, malnutrition continues to be of alarming levels across different life stages in

the Philippines as reported by the National Nutrition Surveys conducted by the Department
of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).

WHEREAS, poor nutrition has economic and social costs to the country.

WHEREAS, malnutrition violates the constitutional right of Filipinos to health and proper
care and nutrition of children,

WHEREAS, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights has affirmed the right of every
human being to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and
his family, including food.

WHEREAS, the attainment of nutritional well-being is a main responsibility of individuals

and families but the government and other stakeholders should help the individuals and
families, especially the marginalized, to be able to provide for their own nutritional needs
and being enabled to achieve adequate nutrition, by greater availability and affordability of a
nutritious diet, regular access to health and nutrition services, and enjoying a physical and
social environment conducive to proper nutrition.

WHEREAS, the country has committed to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) in 2030, the United Nations (UN) Decade of Action for Nutrition 2016-2025, the
World Health Assembly (WHA) targets on maternal, infant, and young child nutrition in
2025 and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Strategic Framework and
Action Plan on Nutrition 2018-2030.

WHEREAS, the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 identifies as desired

outcomes the ensuring of food security and proper nutrition, the strengthening of social
protection, the boosting of health, and the modernization of agriculture and agribusiness.

WHEREAS, the gains of the past PPAN 2017-2022 in the reduction of stunting and
wasting among children; low birth weight; nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women; chronic
energy deficiency among lactating women, adults, and older adults; and the challenges of
reducing overweight and obesity need to be continued and addressed, respectively, in PPAN
2023-2028.

WHEREAS, the PPAN 2023-2028 seeks to reduce all forms of malnutrition across various
life stages, which continue to be a major impediment to national development.

viii
WHEREAS, global evidence has established that nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive
interventions on food and diet, practices and behavior, multi-sectoral nutrition interventions
and enabling environment across various life stages can be effective in reducing
malnutrition and improving health outcomes.

WHEREAS, each of the National Nutrition Council Governing Board (NNC GB) members have
committed programs, projects and activities that will contribute to the attainment of the Plan.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVE AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, in

consideration of the foregoing, we the NNC Governing Board as the country’s highest
policy-making body on nutrition do hereby approve and adopt the PPAN 2023-2028.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that we commit our departments or agencies or organizations to:

1. Pursue the interventions, programs and projects herein specified and continue to
identify new innovative ones in the course of plan’s implementation;
2. Ensure the availability of needed resources by and among others, including budgetary
requirements in the agency budget proposal;
3. Cascade the PPAN 2023-2028 to local governments towards preparation and
implementation of Local Nutrition Action Plans;
4. Ensure reporting of related physical and financial accomplishments;
5. Commit to conducting an evaluation of outcomes and impacts of PPAN 2023-2028; and
6. Advocate for nutrition to be a perspective and component of our policies, plans and programs.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the PPAN implementation will be prioritized in 34

provinces, 799 municipalities, 73 cities and 22,725 barangays, with highest to high food
insecurity and malnutrition needs, and high financial support priority.

RESOLVED FURTHER, for the NNC Secretariat to ensure t hat the plan is disseminated
as widely as possible to enable stakeholders to align their efforts along the priority concerns.

RESOLVED FURTHER, for the NNC Secretariat, in coordination with relevant agencies,
to complete the Results and Resource Framework and the Implementation Plan by 31st of
October 2023 and to facilitate annual program plans thereafter.

RESOLVED FURTHER, for the NNC Secretariat to monitor and to ensure the full
implementation of this resolution.

Approved this 12th day of July 2023.

TEODORO J. HERBOSA, MD
Secretary of Health and
Chairperson, NNC Governing Board
Attested:

AZUCENA M. DAYANGHIRANG, MD, MCH, CESO III

Assistant Secretary and Executive Director IV
Council Secretary, NNC Governing Board

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x
MESSAGE
I convey my utmost support to the National
Nutrition Council (NNC) as you launch and
disseminate the Philippine Plan of Action for
Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028.

Our progress as a people is largely dependent on our

collective nutrition, which influences many aspects
of our society such as education, gender equality,
and access to various opportunities. It is through
proper nutrition that we are able to realize the full
potential of our citizens who can then take charge of
their health and nutritional choices.

I fully support the NNC as it shares the PPAN 2023-

2028, which will serve as a comprehensive roadmap
towards addressing malnutrition that afflicts many
of our countrymen and women today. Let this
important resource be the principal guide for
stakeholders from the government, private sector,
civil society, and other development partners to implement the appropriate interventions that
will remarkably reduce all forms of malnutrition in the years to come.

With everyone’s support, I am certain that we will be able to usher in a healthier future for
every Filipino. Together, let us work towards a Philippines where no child suffers from
malnutrition, where no family goes through a day hungry, and where every Filipino thrives
with dignity and purpose.

I wish you the best in your endeavors.

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR.

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MESSAGE
Assalamualaikum.

I extend my sincerest gratitude to the National

Nutrition Council and everyone involved in the
development of the Philippine Plan of Action for
Nutrition 2023- 2028.

The general health and development of people,

families, and communities are fundamentally
influenced by nutrition. The Philippine Plan of
Action for Nutrition 2023–2028 offers a thorough
road map to address the nutritional issues our nation
is currently facing and defines tactical
measures to improve the nutritional status of every
Filipino.

The plan highlights the necessity for coordinated

efforts, effective governance, and evidence-based
solutions. It is important to acknowledge that a
multi-sectoral strategy or cooperation between
several sectors—including agriculture, education, social welfare, and industry—is necessary
to achieve good nutrition.

Let us work together to address issues such as maternal and child nutrition, adolescent
health, the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, nutrition in emergencies,
and sustainable food systems. Our collective efforts will be invaluable in ensuring the
successful implementation and impact of the plan.

I pledge my unwavering support to the National Nutrition Council in their endeavors to

improve nutrition. Together, let us help Filipinos rebuild and pursue a life of good health
and confidence, making them valuable assets for our nation.

May this action plan inspire us to unite and work with all stakeholders to build a robust and
healthy nation.

Tayo po ay maging MATATAG. Tungo sa isang Bansang Makabata at Batang Makabansa.

Lahat - para sa Diyos, sa bayan at sa pamilyang Pilipino.

Shukran

VICE PRESIDENT SARA Z. DUTERTE

Secretary, Department of Education
Member, NNC Governing Board

xii
MESSAGE
Greetings to the National Nutrition Council
(NNC), and congratulations on the launch of the
Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN)
2023-2028!

Along with the inalienable rights to safe shelter

and quality education, proper nutrition is a
cornerstone of decent and dignified living. As
such, I thank the NNC for your invaluable efforts
to lead and mobilize public and private actors
alike to address and alleviate malnutrition across
the country, particularly malnutrition in our
youth, who are at a crucial point in their physical
development, and whose dietary needs must be
attended to with the full force of local and
national government.

With the PPAN 2023-2028, we will have a useful roadmap toward a future populated by
wholly empowered and healthy individuals, whose most basic needs are always taken
care of, and who are therefore able to actively engage in the growth and development of
their communities and of the country.

Trust that I am with you all in this journey, ready to offer legislative support in the goals
of the NNC, as we continue our fight against hunger and malnutrition.

Maraming salamat, at mabuhay po kayo!

JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI

Senate President

xiii
MESSAGE
Warm greetings to all officials and employees of
the National Nutrition Council under the
Department of Health!

First of all, let me congratulate you as you launch

the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-
2028. May this Plan embody all plans and
programs that will help the country battle a very
serious problem, especially among our children.

Addressing malnutrition has never been more urgent.

Several sources of data available indicate that it
affects a third of Filipino children under five years,
an age where 90% of brain development occurs. This
is catastrophic not only for the health of our children
but for the future of our country as well.

Left unaddressed, we can only imagine its deleterious effects in years to come. This is why
the Council’s role in mitigating or completely eliminating malnutrition in the Philippines is
of crucial importance. It will take the collective effort of everyone, not only the
government, to effectively address the problems brought about by malnutrition. And the
Council is central to the solution.

I do hope that the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028 makes strides in
fighting malnutrition in the country. The doors of our offices at the House of
Representatives are always open to the Council should you need assistance in legislation to
supplement your efforts at curbing malnutrition.

Thank you very much for inviting me to be a part of your endeavor.

Mabuhay po kayong lahat.

FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ

Speaker, House of Representatives

xiv
MESSAGE
I am delighted to offer sincere congratulations to
the people behind the Philippine Plan of Action for
Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028 and to all the
champions of nutrition. You all deserve to be
recognized!

PPAN 2023-2028 truly marks our participation in

the global movement in encouraging collaboration
to battle malnutrition, particularly stunting and
wasting, overweight and obesity, and micronutrient
deficiencies, and to massively step up for the
health and wellness of our kababayans.

The Department of Health (DOH) with the

National Nutrition Council (NNC) hope that the
PPAN 2023-2028 will serve as a guide for various
stakeholders from the National Government
Agencies (NGAs), Non-Government
Organizations (NGOs), development partners,
academe, private sector, and local government units in order to accomplish our common
goals in operationalizing and realizing the Ambisyon Natin 2040 and reduce all forms of
malnutrition, which translates into saving millions of lives in the country.

In fact, in line with the National Nutrition Council’s (NNC) mandate of formulating an
integrated national program on nutrition, and relative to the Universal Health Care (UHC)
Act, I included in the Department’s eight-point action agenda, “Pag-iwas sa sakit.”
Through this agenda item, we will improve the state of nutrition of our nation.

Through a whole-of-country and whole-of-society approach, I am genuinely looking

forward to seeing healthy, smiling people - mothers, children, and their families - in our
communities.

For all who are ceaselessly pushing nutrition forward, your efforts are much appreciated.
Let us continue building a more enlightened path to health and wellness. I am confident
that working hand in hand will give us tangible and numerable outcomes towards a healthy,
comfortable, and secure life for every Filipino and for generations to come.

Sa Healthy Pilipinas… bawat buhay mahalaga!

TEODORO J. HERBOSA, MD
Secretary, Department of Health
Chair, NNC Governing Board

xv
MESSAGE
Malnutrition in the country remains a challenge
despite the nationwide implementation of various
interventions/programs on nutrition. One of the key
factors contributing to this is the limited access to
affordable and nutritious food. Recognizing this, the
agriculture and fisheries sector is seen as one of the
major sectors that can contribute in addressing this
challenge.

Thus, the Department of Agriculture (DA), as the

national government agency mandated for
agricultural development, also takes into account the
promotion of consumer health and nutrition. This is
one of the shared goals of the National Agriculture
and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization
Plan (NAFMIP) 2021-2030, in pursuit of a food-
and nutrition-secure, and resilient Philippines. In doing so, the DA implements key
strategies such as expanding the food supply by boosting local production and improving
the distribution system of agriculture and fisheries commodities. Further, in collaboration
with relevant stakeholders, including the National Nutrition Council (NNC), we are gearing
towards ensuring accessibility to adequate, affordable, safe, and nutritious food together
with quality nutrition services and practices at all times to improve the nutritional status in
the country.

It is an honor to work alongside the NNC, other national government agencies, LGU
partners, private sector, and other key stakeholders in the formulation of the Philippine
Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028. Rest assured that we will use this Plan as
one of the frameworks for action in addressing the challenges related to food and nutrition
security in the country. We will continue to work with the NNC and other stakeholders to
pursue the goals of ending hunger, achieving food security, and improving nutrition aligned
with the country’s commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the
Ambisyon Natin 2040.

The Department of Agriculture supports the PPAN’s desired vision of change - Reduced all
forms of malnutrition across all age groups by 2028!

Mabuhay!
MERCEDITA A. SOMBILLA
Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations
Department of Agriculture
Vice Chairperson (Authorized Representative), NNC Governing Board

xvi
MESSAGE
Warmest greetings and congratulations to the
National Nutrition Council (NNC) for
spearheading the formulation of the Philippine
Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028,
which serves as the country’s overall framework in
addressing concerns arising for malnutrition,
particularly stunting and wasting, overweight and
obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies.

Malnutrition is a multifactorial problem that needs

a multisectoral solution. With this in mind, the
DILG has been keen on implementing and
promoting social protection programs that aim to
assist local government units (LGUs) in providing
effective basic social services.

The Department has also issued various policy guidelines in support of poverty alleviation
and social development like the Karapatan at Ugnayan ng Mamamayan sa Akmang
Pagkain at Nutrisyon (KUMAIN). Consultations on the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition
Project (PMNP), which aims to increase the utilization of a package composed of nutrition-
specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions across various local government platforms.
The DILG also launched the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) sa
Barangay Project to promote community gardening in a bid to increase the country’s food
productivity and address hunger at the local level.

Truly, every Filipino, as the country’s most vital resource, deserves and, in fact, has the
right to adequate food and nutrition. The DILG acknowledges that to meet this end, an
effective multisectoral, multilevel, and coherent approach is needed - one that will benefit
every Filipino especially those at the grassroots level. DILG commits to providing its full
support and participation in operationalizing PPAN 2023-2028 to realize its vision of
reducing all forms of malnutrition.

The PPAN 2023-2028 reflects the government’s deep resolve to address malnutrition
within the national development framework. This undertaking will improve the lot of our
people across the board, especially the marginalized sectors of society. Therefore, we must
continue to exert our best efforts to ensure that a well-orchestrated and coordinated strategy
like this will be maximized and will contribute to the attainment of Ambisyon Natin 2040,
which represents the collective long-term vision and aspirations of the Filipino people.

xvii
Again, my congratulations to the NNC for this comprehensive plan. May this endeavor
fulfill not only our country’s solemn commitment to the global movement against hunger
and malnutrition but also our commitment to the nutritional well-being of the Filipino
people that we serve.

Ang lahat ng ito ay para sa isang masigla at malusog na sambayanang Pilipino! Patuloy
po tayong magkaisa sa pagpapatupad ng PPAN 2023-2028!

ATTY. BENJAMIN C. ABALOS, JR.

Secretary, Department of the Interior and Local Government
Vice Chairperson, NNC Governing Board

xviii
MESSAGE
Assalamu alaikum wa Raḥmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Congratulations to the National Nutrition Council for

developing a strategic policy roadmap to ensure that
Filipinos from all walks of life will have the
assistance they need to be healthy and productive.

The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN)

2023-2028 is vital in achieving our Agenda for
Prosperity. Health and nutrition go hand-in-hand
with socioeconomic development as they directly
affect education, livelihoods, and ways of life. Thus,
we must see to it that the PPAN will be executed
with the participation of all stakeholders including
government agencies and local government units, as
well as civil society organizations.

It is also paramount to communicate the plan, the

practice, and the purpose of the PPAN in a way that factors in socio-cultural backgrounds so
that we are all aligned in realizing its objectives.

In doing so, let us remember our commitment to inclusivity. Malnutrition may be

experienced not only by adults but also by newborn babies, toddlers, adolescents, and even
pregnant and lactating women. Therefore, to truly address this social predicament, we must
have a practical approach directed at all groups.

Let us also keep in mind our sustainability goals and seek assistance from nutrition experts,
public health specialists, scientists, and workers in the development sector to discuss the
most effective and viable ways to make healthy food and proper diet accessible to all
Filipinos.

Through the PPAN, we can be assured that we are on the right track in realizing holistic,
multi-disciplinary, and multi-level nutritional improvement.

Let us keep striving for a healthier nation that will ultimately lead to a more productive
economy.

Mabuhay!

AMENAH F. PANGANDAMAN
Secretary, Department of Budget and Management
Member, NNC Governing Board

xix
MESSAGE
The Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE) wishes to congratulate the members of the
National Nutrition Council (NNC), its Governing
Board, Technical Committee, and Secretariat, for
the final form of the Philippine Plan of Action for
Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028. The Plan indeed
captures the aspirations of every Filipino for an
equitable and ready access to developmental
pathways for improved nutritional outcomes for
all, more importantly for our children and young
adolescents.

A nation's talents, I believe, are its greatest asset,

and investing in social safety nets and protection
programs, delivered along the life cycle of
individuals, will provide them with opportunities
to reach their optimal capacities and skills that are
needed for nation building. Reaching our nutritional outcomes and guaranteeing access to
the same are deemed as a clear strategy towards this direction.

PPAN 2023-2028 serves as the country's framework in mitigating all forms of malnutrition
in the Philippines. The Plan has likewise adopted the whole of government and society
approach in order to ensure that the institutional arrangements needed to carry out the
identified nutritional interventions are efficiently and effectively done. As an action
document, PPAN will guide national and local government units, non-government and civil
society organizations, developmental partners, academe, and other stakeholders in a well
targeted and timely manner, ensuring that individuals can access the needed resources and
services at the right time and given when they need it the most.

As one of the agencies identified in the PPAN 2023-2028, the DOLE hopes that our
contribution in creating an enabling environment for a sound and robust economy, where
industrial peace is attained and adherence to the principles of full, decent, and productive
employment and employment opportunities for all are continuously promoted, will ensure
that the key performance results areas, as expressed in PPAN 2023-2028, are achieved and
sustained.

xx
Continued collaborative efforts however are needed in order to reach our shared goals and
aspirations, and address possible limitations, such as resources, capacities, policies and
other facilitating factors, which affects our targets. Rest assured that the DOLE, as an
active partner, will continuously show support in order to attain the objectives as
encapsulated in the Plan.

The roll-out of PPAN 2023-2028 came at a significant time as the Philippines is nearing its
2030 targets under the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 2 on zero hunger.
Hopefully, this Action Plan will become a vital instrument in improving the nutritional
goals of the country thereby addressing all forms of malnutrition. The same should also be
coupled with the enactment of policies that support decent job creation, and the
strengthening of employment-led poverty reduction programs, likewise aligned with SDG
8 on decent work and economic growth.

Ultimately, PPAN 2023-2028 is a shared commitment of all concerned actors. Let us

continuously work together in order to achieve the mission of providing optimum nutrition
for all age groups, with emphasis on the at-risk, vulnerable, and marginalized groups, and
ensure the viability of nutrition-specific, and sensitive interventions indicated in the Plan.

Mabuhay at maraming salamat.

BIENVENIDO E. LAGUESMA
Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment
Member, NNC Governing Board

xxi
MESSAGE
I would like to extend my deep appreciation to the
National Nutrition Council, for the unwavering
dedication in spearheading the formulation of the
Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN)
2023-2028.

All of us have been waiting for this moment when we

are to unveil the blueprint on how we will end
malnutrition among Filipinos.

By we, I mean the national government, the local

government units, non-government organizations,
development partners, academe, business and private
sector --- all of us have a stake in the Philippine Plan
of Action for Nutrition.

After almost 5 decades, these national plans have

guided the country into achieving improvements in
the food and nutrition situation of the country. We
have had successes since then as we have been able to reduce the problem of underweight
children, micronutrient deficiencies. However, we still face major challenges such as the
slow reduction in child stunting and the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity.

For this PPAN to do well, we must go that extra mile. We do not want the Philippines to
remain lagging behind other countries as they are able to drastically reduce child stunting.
We do not want the Philippines to remain to be one of the biggest contributors to child
stunting in the world. The PPAN tells us how we can overcome child stunting. Let us all
be ambitious this time. We can no longer be complacent that Filipinos remain among the
shortest people in the world. We can no longer afford to let our children suffer from brain
drain because we cannot prevent them from being stunted in their first 1000 days.

The PPAN is not merely policies and strategies on paper; it embodies the hopes and
aspirations of our nation, the aspirations for better health, improved nutrition, and a society
where no one is left behind. Our success in this endeavor hinges on our collective efforts,
as every contribution, no matter how small, holds the potential to create a lasting impact.

With renewed resolve and strengthened collaboration, let us embark on this journey to
uplift our nation's nutrition landscape. Let us seize this opportunity to harness our
strengths, pool our resources, and amplify our efforts toward achieving the goals of PPAN.
Together, we can make a lasting impact and build a nation where good nutrition and
optimal health are not just aspirations but realities for all.

Mabuhay ang PPAN! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

RENATO U. SOLIDUM, JR.

Secretary, Department of Science and Technology
Member, NNC Governing Board

xxii
MESSAGE
The Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) supports the strategies and
initiatives to end hunger, improve nutrition and
fight malnutrition in our country.

As one of the leading government agencies in the

field of food, nutrition and health, the National
Nutrition Council (NNC) has published a
significant document that will serve as a basis to
reinforce and harmonize the policies to improve
the nutritional condition of Filipinos. This is
through the publication of the Philippine Plan of
Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028.

The PPAN 2023-2028 will serve as a significant

guide document for local government units,
national government agencies, non-government organizations and other stakeholders in the
planning, implementation, monitoring and delivering responsive nutrition policies,
programs, and services to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable and
marginalized Filipinos.

With this, the DSWD congratulates the NNC and all their partners who have contributed in
the creation of the PPAN 2023-2028.

May the information and strategies in this document be used by duty-bearers and other
stakeholders to address the country’s food and nutrition challenges.

Together, let us continue to work together for a zero hunger and healthier Philippines.

REX T. GATCHALIAN
Secretary, Department of Social Welfare and Development
Member, NNC Governing Board

xxiii
MESSAGE
On behalf of the Department of Trade and
Industry, I extend my sincerest congratulations to
the National Nutrition Council (NNC) for
spearheading the implementation of the Philippine
Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), which
establishes food and nutrition policies in the
Philippines.

The PPAN is a policy tool critical in providing a

strategic, multi-level, and directional platform that
will address all forms of rampant malnutrition in
the country - one of the top priorities of the Marcos
administration.

Further, the PPAN outlines a strategic plan that enables

improved coordination and partnership between its
duty-bearers and stakeholders, particularly those working in the nutrition sector, a very
important task to efficiently implement the plan.

We at DTI remain committed to assisting the NNC in the efficient implementation of the
plan as we all work to uplift the lives of the Filipino people, especially those situated in the
nutritionally at-risk areas. We will also strictly implement policies and programs aligned
with ensuring that food products are properly labeled, with proper nutritional facts to guide
consumers.

We look forward to our continued collaboration and partnership in the coming years as we
all work to fully realize the Philippine government’s vision of attaining food security.
Together, let us create a Philippines with zero hunger and poverty. Let us strive for food
justice!

ALFREDO E. PASCUAL
Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry
Member, NNC Governing Board

xxiv
MESSAGE
The Philippines has made significant progress in
addressing nutrition, particularly in reducing the
prevalence of stunting and wasting among children
under five. The rate of stunting has decreased from
33.4% in 2015 to 26.7% in 2021, while the rate of
wasting decreased from 7.1% in 2015 to 5.5% in
2021. While these achievements from the 2017-
2022 PPAN are promising, the country still faces
challenges such as supply-side shocks and food
inflation, which continue to threaten the hard-earned
gains in food security and nutrition.

Looking ahead, the Marcos administration's

development agenda emphasizes the urgent need for
collective action to reduce food insecurity and end
hunger by providing accessible, affordable, safe, and
nutritious food for all Filipinos at all times. The Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028
recognizes the fundamental link between food security and proper nutrition. It presents
transformational strategies to further improve both sectors. The PPAN 2023- 2028 provides
a detailed blueprint that will serve as the compass for the National Nutrition Council
(NNC), its member-agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders in addressing
all forms of malnutrition, particularly among the poorest and most vulnerable groups in the
country. It sets specific goals and strategies to improve nutrition across all life stages and
consumer groups, employing a multi-sectoral, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society
approach.

Together with the NNC, the National Economic and Development Authority is committed
to supporting the realization of the PPAN 2023-2028, along with other relevant initiatives
to improve nutrition outcomes. Our aim is to create an enabling environment that enhances
the nutritional status and well-being of all Filipinos. We invite all stakeholders to join us in
turning this plan into action, with the hopeful expectation that every Filipino will achieve a
matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay (strongly-rooted, comfortable, and secure life)
by 2040.

ARSENIO M. BALISACAN, PhD

Secretary, National Economic and Development Authority
Member, NNC Governing Board

xxv
MESSAGE
The PPAN 2023-2028 is the government’s new
framework for multi-sector collaborative action
towards food and nutrition security. This provides
the impetus for the NNC in ensuring substantive
investment capital for the nutritional needs of
every Filipino. While its predecessor document,
PPAN 2017-2022, has shown positive nutrition
outcomes by achieving most of its targets, the
Philippines remains to be one of the top ten
countries in the world with cases of stunting,
exclusive breastfeeding practices for infants under
six months are wanting, and cases of overweight
children are increasing. These challenges remain
despite the enactment of laws such as RA 11148 or
the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act in
the First 1000 Days); RA 10028 or the Expanded
Breastfeeding Promotion Act; RA 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive
Health Act; RA 11210 or the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law; RA 10963 or the
TRAIN Law of 2019; and RA 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang
Pilipino Act, among others. As such, an accelerated concerted effort through increased
public and private partnership, and a stronger governance structure are urgently needed.

As a legislative advocacy organization and the only Private Sector Representative of the
NNC Governing Board, the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and
Development (PLCPD) remains committed to working with the NNC in mainstreaming
nutrition and food security in human rights, and population and development legislation.
Our Board of Trustees and regular members from the Senate and House of Representatives,
as well as the 64 member-organizations of the Child Rights Network, will work closely
with the NNC in developing new and enhancing current legal frameworks for improved
nutrition outcomes for all Filipinos. PLCPD will maximize its current partnerships on child
protection, social protection, comprehensive adolescent sexual and reproductive health,
women empowerment, rural development, tobacco-free generation, and protection of
vulnerable sectors during emergency situations in contributing to the achievement of the
country’s improved nutrition outcome for all.

ROMEO C. DONGETO
Executive Director
Philippine Legislators’ Committee for Population and Development

xxvi
MESSAGE
On behalf of the team responsible for formulating
this document, and in recognition of the valuable
inputs provided by our esteemed partners and
stakeholders, I am proud to share with you all the
Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN)
2023-2028.

As the Assistant Secretary and Executive Director

of the National Nutrition Council (NNC), I am
confident that with this plan, the Philippines can
make significant strides towards reducing all forms
of malnutrition across all age groups so every
Filipino can enjoy a stable, comfortable, and
secure life.

PPAN 2023-2028 is a product of systematic

review, multi-sectoral and interdisciplinary
processes, and public consultations. It surfaces the immediate and underlying causes of
malnutrition particularly, the mismatch between nutritional needs of Filipinos and their
diet, the inappropriate behaviors and practices affecting health and nutrition, the poor
quality and inadequacy of nutrition and nutrition-related services such as sanitation and
social protection, and the deeper societal issues such as low purchasing power of
households and the lack of financial and institutional capacity of local government units.

The Plan’s Theory of Change (TOC) and Strategic Framework highlights interventions and
approaches that would plausibly result in healthier diets, better nutrition practices, and
improved access to quality services. The targets set forth in the plan ranging from reduction
in the prevalence of undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies, to
improving feeding practices among young children and increasing food security among
households, signify a bold step towards ensuring the well-being and future prosperity of the
Filipino population.

The Plan demonstrates a holistic appreciation of the complexities surrounding nutrition and
the need for collective action to overcome these and achieve lasting results. It recognizes
the significance of whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, with the
government harnessing multi-sectoral collaboration and multi-level platforms involving
national government agencies, academe, business sector, civil society organizations,
donors, and United Nations networks.

xxvii
Please accept my deepest appreciation to all our stakeholders and partners who extended
their support and contribution in the development of this Plan. Your commitment to
addressing malnutrition and to promoting food and nutrition security is both commendable
and inspiring.

The NNC Secretariat will ensure widespread dissemination of PPAN 2023-2028 and will
diligently monitor its full implementation.

Together, let us continue to champion better programs and interventions to achieve

Nutrisyong Sapat, Para sa Lahat!

AZUCENA M. DAYANGHIRANG, MD, MCH, CESO III

Assistant Secretary and Executive Director IV
Council Secretary, NNC Governing Board
Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Coordinator for Philippines

xxviii
4Ps Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
AIP Annual Investment Programs
AMIA Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture
ANC Antenatal Care
ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations
BARMM Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
BEDP Basic Education Development Plan
BHW Barangay Health Worker
BNS Barangay Nutrition Scholar
BIDANI Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement
BMI Body Mass Index
BSND Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
CHD Center for Health Development
CDC Child Development Center
CED Chronic Energy Deficiency
CPD Commission on Population and Development
CRVA Climate Resiliency, and Vulnerability Assessment
CSOs Civil Society Organizations
CCT Conditional Cash Transfer
COVID Coronavirus Disease
CVDs Cardiovascular Diseases
DA Department of Agriculture
DAR Department of Agrarian Reform
DBM Department of Budget and Management
DepEd Department of Education
DILG Department of the Interior and Local Government
DOH Department of Health
DOLE Department of Labor and Employment
DOST Department of Science and Technology
DSP Dietary Supplementation Program
DSWD Department of Social Welfare and Development
DTI Department of Trade and Industry

xxix
DRRM-H-NiE Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Health-Nutrition in
Emergencies
EBF Exclusive Breastfeeding
ECCD Early Childhood Care and Development
ENNS Expanded National Nutrition Survey
EO Executive Order
F1KD First 1000 Days
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
FCA Farmers and Fisherfolk Cooperative or Association
FDA Food and Drug Administration
FDS Family Development Sessions
FHSIS Field Health Services Information System
FMR farm-to-market road
FNRI Food and Nutrition Research Institute
FOPL Front-of-pack nutrition labelling
GB Governing Board
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GIDA Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area
HAPAG Halina't Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay
HDPRC Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
ICN International Conference on Nutrition
IDD Iodine Deficiency Disorders
IFA Iron-folic acid
IFR Iron- fortified rice
IMCI Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses
IP Investment Planning
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification
IRR Implementing Rules and Regulations
IYCF Infant and Young Child Feeding
IATF-ZH Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger
IATWG Interagency Technical Working Group
LBW Low Birth Weight
LCE Local Chief Executive
LGU Local Government Unit
LNAP Local Nutrition Action Plan
LNC Local Nutrition Committee / Cluster
LNEWS-FNS Local Nutrition Early Warning System for and Nutrition Security
MAD Minimum Acceptable Diet
MDD Minimum Diet Diversity

xxx
MELLPI Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
N4G Nutrition for Growth
NAFMIP National Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan
NAR Nutritionally-at-risk
NBM National Budget Memorandum
NCDs Non-communicable Diseases
NCSC National Commission on Senior Citizens
NDHS National Demographic and Health Survey
NDSP National Dietary Supplementation Program
NEDA-SDC National Economic and Development Authority-Social Development
Committee
NFP National Food Policy
NGA National Government Agencies
NOH National Objectives for Health
NGO Non-Government Organization
NiE Nutrition in Emergencies
NNC National Nutrition Council
NNIS National Nutrition Information System
NNPPBC National Nutrition Promotion Program for Behavior Change
NM Nutrition Month
NSOA Nutrition School-on-Air
NYC National Youth Commission
MBFHI Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
MHPSS Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services
OPT Operation Timbang
PCB Program Convergence Budgeting
PKG Pilipinas Kontra Gutom
PD Presidential Decree
PDP Philippine Development Plan
PEIRIDDDEC Prevention, Early Identification, Referral, Intervention of Delays, Disorders,
and Disabilities in Early Childhood
PES Parent Effectiveness Service
PHA Philippine Health Agenda
PHC Primary Health Care
PIMAM Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition
PLW Pregnant and Lactating Women
PNPM Philippine Nutrient Profile Model from
PPAs Programs, Projects, and Activities
PPAN Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition

xxxi
PRiSM Philippine Rice Information System
RA Republic Act
RCM Rice Crop Manager
RF Results Framework
RNAS Rapid Nutrition Assessment Survey
RNC Regional Nutrition Committee / Cluster
RNPC Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator
RPAN Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition
SAM Severe Acute Malnutrition
SBCC Social and Behavior Change Communication
SBFP School-Based Feeding Program
SDC Social Development Committee
SNP Supervised Neighborhood Play
SNPDC Supervised Neighborhood Playgroups and Daycare Centers
SDGs Sustainable Development Goals
SK Sangguniang Kabataan
SLP Sustainable Livelihood Program
SP Social Protection
SSNPs Social Safety Net Programs
SUN Scaling-Up Nutrition Movement
TKDSP Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program
TOC Theory of Change
UHC Universal Health Care
UIC Urinary Iodine Concentration
ULAP Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines
UN United Nations
UP University of the Philippines
UPLB University of the Philippines- Los Baños
UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund
VAD Vitamin A Deficiency
WASH Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
WB World Bank
WFP World Food Programme
WHA World Health Assembly
WHO World Health Organization
WRA Women of Reproductive Age
UP University of the Philippines
UNFSS United Nations Food Systems Summit
UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund
VAD Vitamin A Deficiency

xxxii
Table Page
1 Outcome Result Areas 5
2 PPAN Priority Provinces 7
3 Achievement of PPAN Targets 27
4 Outcome Result Areas and Statements 47
5 Output Results Statements under Healthier Diets 48
6 Output Results Statements under Better Nutrition Practices 48
7 Output Results Statements under Improved Access to Quality 49
Services
8 Output Results Statements under Enabling Environment 50
9 PPAN 2023-2028 Outcome Targets 54
10 Financial targets by life stage, 2023 – 2028 68
11 Financial targets by key outcome, 2023 – 2028 68
12 Top 27 provinces with the highest Need Score or those with the 73
largest population of stunted children and subsistence-poor
13 Top 16 provinces with high priority for financial support 74

xxxiii
Figure Page
1 Trends in Malnutrition among Pregnant and Lactating Women 14
2 Trends in Malnutrition among Children 0-23 months 16
3 Trends in Malnutrition among Children 0-5 years old 17
4 Trends in Malnutrition among School-age Children 5-9 years old 18
5 Trends in Malnutrition among Adolescents 20
6 Trends in Malnutrition among Adults and Older Persons 21
7 Conceptual Framework of Malnutrition 22
8 Conceptual Framework on the Determinants of Maternal and 26
Child Nutrition
9 Strategic Framework for PPAN 2023-2028 43
10 Theory of Change for the PPAN 2023-2028 46
11 PPAN Structure for Coordination 61
12 PPAN Structure for Implementation 64

xxxiv
Annex Page
1 Roles of Agencies in PPAN 81
2 Computation of Need Score as basis for identifying PPAN Priority 87
Provinces
3 PPAN 2023-2028 Results Framework 91
Healthier Diets 91
Better Nutrition Practices 97
Improved Access to Quality Services 102
Enabling Environment 107

xxxv
The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) is a policy and plan document
formulated under the leadership of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to address the
nutrition situation of the country. PPAN is a six-year strategic and directional plan to guide
stakeholders towards achieving target nutrition outcomes.

PPAN 2023-2028 is the 11th of the series documents formulated and released by the NNC
since 1974. This is aligned with the AmBisyon Natin 2040 and the Philippine Development
Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, as well as with other relevant international and national plans and
commitments.

Summary of Food and Nutrition Situation

Filipinos suffer from the so-called triple burden of malnutrition where undernutrition,
overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies affect a significant proportion of the
population. Undernutrition in the form of stunting, wasting, and being underweight affects
children under-five, preschool age children, school-age children, and adolescents. Many
pregnant women, mainly adolescents, are likewise considered as nutritionally at-risk of
giving low birth weight babies, while adults and older persons suffer from chronic energy
deficiency (CED). At the same time, overnutrition in the form of overweight and obesity is
increasing across all population groups. Micronutrient deficiencies in vitamin A, iron, and
iodine are still present in vulnerable groups. Considerable improvements in the last decades
in reducing child undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies have been noted but the
pace is slow compared to other countries. Along with malnutrition, food insecurity affects
33.4 % of households or 3 in every 10 households have moderate or severe food insecurity.

Theory of Change (TOC)

The development of the PPAN 2023-2028 is a participatory and collaborative process

through a series of workshops using theory of change approach and consultation activities
spearheaded by the NNC. A PPAN Planning Ad Hoc Group was organized composed of
representatives from key government agencies and experts. The Country Offices of the
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP)
extended technical and funding assistance in the development process.

The TOC is grounded on the situation analysis of nutrition in the country and the causality
analysis of the factors that drive malnutrition. The TOC presents a logical and realistic

1
multi-year vision and pathway of how each of the outcome results will contribute to
achieving the desired vision of change over the next six years.

Life Stage Approach

The life stage approach recognizes that nutritional needs and risks vary at different stages
of life. It recognizes the interrelated vulnerabilities in nutrition and that addressing these
disparities across all the life stage will have mutually reinforcing benefits. For instance,
good nutrition in the early years will have positive effects in later life. The PPAN is
intended to contribute to the nutrition of Filipinos at each life stage. While the first 1000
days continue to remain a focus, interventions to address malnutrition among adolescents
and older persons are included.

Guiding Principles

The PPAN 2023-2028 is guided by the following principles that are crucial to determine
the best ways to achieve the intended results of the plan:

1. Food is a fundamental human right and nutrition is a basic child’s right

2. Equity and social justice
3. Intra- and Inter-sectoral collaboration
4. Community participation
5. Evidence-based approach
6. Sustainability

Outcome Targets

PPAN 2023-2028 aims to reduce, with the aim of eventually eliminating, all forms of
malnutrition across all life stages through strategies such as healthier diets, better nutrition
practices, improved access to quality nutrition services, and enabling mechanisms. These
are:

Pregnant and Lactating Women

1. Reduce the prevalence of nutritionally at-risk pregnant women by 3.5% per year, from
16.4 % (2021-2022) to 13.2% in 2028.
2. Decrease the prevalence of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) among pregnant women by
0.27 per year, from 2.8% in 2019 to 0.53% in 2028.
3. Decrease the prevalence of VAD among lactating women by 0.19 per year, from 2.8%
in 2019 to 0.38% in 2028.
4. Increase the median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among pregnant women, from
122 μg/l (2018-2019) to 150-249 µg/l (adequate iodine nutrition) by 2023-2028.
5. Increase the median UIC among lactating women, from 99 μg/l (2018-2019) to 100-
199 µg/l (adequate iodine nutrition) by 2023-2028.

2
6. Reduce the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women, from 23.0 % (2018-
2019) by 3.2 reduction per year, based on past trend and to achieve a mild public
health problem by 2025 and continued reduction until 2028.
7. Reduce the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age (WRA) by 50%
in 2025 World Health Assembly (WHA) target, from the 2013 level (12.5%).

Children Under-five

1. Reduce the prevalence (%) of low birth weight (LBW) infants by 30% from the 2017
levels of 14.5% to 10.2% in 2025, based on WHA targets, and continued reduction to
8.6% until 2028.
2. Increase the percentage of exclusively breastfed (EBF) infants at 6 months from 32.1%
(2021-2022) to 50% by 2028.
3. Increase the prevalence of children 6-23 months old with Minimum Acceptable Diet
(MAD) from 13.3% (2021-2022) to at least 25% by 2028.
4. Increase the prevalence of children 6-23 months old with Minimum Diet Diversity
(MDD), from 13.8% (2021-2022) to at least 50% by 2028.
5. Decrease the prevalence of VAD children 6 months to 5 years old, from 15.5 % (2018-
2019) to <10% (mild public health significance) by 2028.
6. Reduce the magnitude of stunted children under five years old, by 50% in 2030
(2,008,260) from the 2013 levels (4,016,520 or 30.3%) based on the WHO/UNICEF
discussion paper: The Extension of the 2025 Maternal, Infant and Young Child
Nutrition Targets.
7. Reduce the prevalence of wasted children under five years old, from 5.5% (2021-
2022) to <5% by 2025 (low public health significance) based on WHA targets.
8. Reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children under-five years old
from 3.9% (2021-2022) by 1.9% per year based on the performance of other countries.

School Children, 5-12 years old

1. Reduce the prevalence of wasted children 5-10 years old, from 6.9% (2021-2022) to
<5% by 2025 (low public health significance) based on WHA targets.
2. Retain the UIC among children 6-12 years old within 100-199 µg/l (adequate iodine
nutrition).
3. Reduce the proportion of children 6-12 years old with urinary iodine levels below 50
μg/l, from 12.4% (2018-2019) to less than 5% by 2028.
4. Reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children 5-10 years old, from
14% (2021-2022) by 2.2 point reduction per year, to achieve a WHA 2013 voluntary
target of halting increase from 2010 levels in 2025.

3
Adolescents

1. Reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents, from 13%
(2021-2022) by 2.133 point reduction per year, to achieve a WHA 2013 voluntary
target of halting increase from 2010 levels in 2025.
2. Reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults, from 40.2% (2021-
2022) by 3.4 point reduction per year, to achieve a WHA 2013 voluntary target of
halting increase from 2010 levels in 2025.

Adults

1. Reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults, from 38.6% (2021) by
3.4 point reduction per year, to achieve a WHA in 2013 voluntary target of halting
increase from 2010 levels in 2025.

Older persons

1. Reduce the prevalence of chronic energy-deficient older adults, 60 y/o and over, from
11.8% (2021) by 5% rate decrease per year.

Households

1. Increase the prevalence of households meeting 100% recommended energy intake by

50% from 21.8% (2018-19) to 32.6% (2028).
2. Reduce the prevalence of moderately and severe food insecure households, from 33.4
% (2021-2022) by 5.1% per year.
3. Increase the percentage of households using adequately iodized salt, from 33.2%
in 2021 to >90% by 2028, to achieve Universal Salt Iodization.

4
Outcome Results Areas

The desired outcome targets will be achieved through the different interventions coming
from four output result areas, namely: 1). healthier diets; 2). better nutrition practices;
3). improved access to quality services; and 4) enabling environment. These outcomes
have targeted result statements, as follows:

Table 1. Outcome Result Areas

Outcome Result Areas Outcome Result Statements
1: Healthier Diets Filipinos consume and demand adequate, age-
appropriate, nutrient-dense, diverse, affordable, safe,
sustainable diets.
2: Better Nutrition Filipinos adopt behavior and practices that contribute to
Practices optimal nutrition, health, and well-being.
3: Improved Access to Filipinos benefit from well-coordinated, inclusive, and
Quality Services integrated quality nutrition and related services.
4: Enabling Filipinos enjoy their right to adequate food and
Environment nutrition due to good governance and enabling policy
environments.

Interventions:

The identified interventions under each outcome result area are further categorized into
nutrition-specific, nutrition-sensitive, and enabling mechanisms.

NUTRITION-SPECIFIC INTERVENTIONS

Based on the framework of The 2013 Lancet Series on Maternal and Child Nutrition, and
as adopted in RA 11148, nutrition-specific interventions refer to those that address the
immediate determinants of maternal, fetal, infant, and child nutrition and development.

Examples of this are:

a. adolescent, preconception, and maternal health and nutrition
b. maternal dietary or micronutrient supplementation
c. promotion of optimum breastfeeding
d. complementary feeding and responsive feeding practices and stimulation
e. dietary supplementation
f. diversification and micronutrient supplementation or fortification for children
g. treatment of severe acute malnutrition; disease prevention and management
h. nutrition in emergencies

5
NUTRITION-SENSITIVE INTERVENTIONS

On the other hand, nutrition-sensitive interventions address underlying determinants of

maternal, fetal, infant, and child nutrition, such as those related to food security, social
protection, adequate caregiving resources, access to health services, and a safe and
hygienic environment.
a. agriculture and food security
b. social safety nets
c. early child development
d. maternal mental health
e. women’s empowerment
f. child protection
g. schooling/education
h. WASH
i. health and family planning services.

Institutional Arrangements

The PPAN 2023-2028 follows the structure of coordinative mechanisms established in

previous PPAN implementation following coordinative mechanisms at the
intergovernmental level - i.e., national to sub national levels and, horizontal coordinative
mechanisms where units at the same level coordinates with each other i.e.,
intragovernmental level.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The PPAN results framework (RF) will be the basis for monitoring the progress and
evaluating the extent by which the interventions were able to contribute to achieving the
desired outcome. The M&E plan will include finalizing the list of indicators per output
statements, the establishment of baseline and targets to be used in tracking the outputs,
tracking of indicators, the source of data, frequency of data collection, the responsibilities
of the M&E team, and the cost needed to finance monitoring and evaluation activities. As
specified in the PPAN RF, there will be mid- and end-term assessments. These periodic
assessments and reporting should be planned. Likewise, regular reports should be
prepared on the progress of the implementation of PPAN based on the expected outputs.
These reports should highlight the achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and
recommended strategies for improvement.

Financial Summary

The fund commitments for PPAN 2023-2028 are nearly PhP600 billion coming from
government, civil society, development partners and private sector.

6
Implementing the PPAN 2023-2028

PPAN implementation will be prioritized in 34 provinces having the largest population of

stunted children and subsistence-poor, with consideration for their economic capacity as a
basis of the requirement for financial support. It covers 799 municipalities, 73 cities and
22,725 barangays.

Table 2: PPAN Priority Provinces

Province Requirement for Province Requirement for
financial support financial support
1. Leyte High 18. Camarines Sur Medium
2. Sulu High 19. Quezon Medium
3. Negros Occidental High 20. Zamboanga del Norte Medium
4. Negros Oriental High 21. Zamboanga del Sur Medium
5. Samar High 22. Maguindanao Medium
6. Lanao del Norte High 23. Bukidnon Medium
7. Masbate High 24. Iloilo Medium
8. Palawan High 25. Cavite Low
9. Basilan High 26. Bulacan Low
10. Sorsogon High 27. Cotabato Low
11. Eastern Samar High 28. Oriental Mindoro Low
12. Northern Samar High 29. Pangasinan Low
13. Surigao del Sur High 30. Rizal Low
14. Zamboanga Sibugay High 31. Davao del Sur Low
15. Antique High 32. Nueva Ecija Low
16. Tawi-Tawi High 33. Isabela Low
17. Cebu Medium 34. Pampanga Low

7
Overview of the PPAN 2023-2028 The PPAN remains to be a directional plan
that guides stakeholders as it serves as the
The PPAN 2023-2028 is the food and national policy for food and nutrition. What
nutrition policy of the Philippines. It is a makes it new from the past PPANs is the
six-year document that has been use of a life stage approach with the
formulated by the National Nutrition inclusion of adolescents and older persons
Council since 1974 by virtue of as targets, and a recognition that good
Presidential Decree (P.D.) 491. nutrition is needed at every stage and is
essential in early years to achieve enduring
PPAN is a strategic, multi-sectoral, multi- positive benefits into adulthood. The life
level, and directional framework to stage approach recognizes the varying
address all forms of malnutrition, nutritional needs, risks, as well as
particularly stunting and wasting, opportunities across the life stage and
overweight and obesity, and micronutrient underscores the need to address these
deficiencies. It serves as a framework for inherently interdependent vulnerabilities to
action for duty-bearers and other reap optimal and sustainable results.
stakeholders in addressing the country’s The development of this PPAN used a TOC
food and nutrition security challenges. as a planning tool. In terms of content, the
new PPAN puts emphasis on climate-
The PPAN is a culmination of extensive adaptive food security interventions and
research, dialogue, and collaboration. It obesity. The interventions recognize the
reflects a shared vision of achieving importance of behavior change to bring
optimal nutrition for all Filipinos, about better nutrition.
regardless of age, background, or socio-
economic status. This plan outlines The PPAN is not a static plan. It is expected
strategic objectives, key actions, and to evolve along with changes in socio-
measurable goals to guide our collective economic and geo-political conditions and
journey towards a healthier and more availability of new scientific evidence.
prosperous nation.
PPAN in the Development Spectrum
PPAN 2023-2028 is the 11thof the national
plans on nutrition. Similar to the previous The PPAN 2023-2028 draws its foundation
PPANs, it continues to be a strategic, multi- from the critical directions espoused under
sectoral and multi-level implementation the 2020 Association of Southeast Asian
approach. Nation (ASEAN) Comprehensive Recovery
Framework, the SUN Movement Strategy

8
2021-2025 (3.0), the 2021 United Nations Strategy Map 2028. The Plan also integrates
Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) and the strategies for implementing relevant nutrition
2021 Tokyo Nutrition for Growth (N4G) laws such as Republic Act (RA) No. 11148 or
Summit. These global initiatives lay the the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay
groundwork for efforts to recover lost Act.”
ground in progress toward the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030, the The PPAN Formulation Process
UN Decade of Action for Nutrition 2016-
2025, the WHA targets on maternal, infant, The PPAN 2023-2028 is a product of a series
and young child nutrition in 2025 and the of workshops and consultation activities
ASEAN Strategic Framework and Action spearheaded by the NNC. A PPAN Ad Hoc
Plan on Nutrition 2018-2030. These global Group was organized composed of
agendas emphasize the urgent call for representatives from key government agencies
transforming food systems integrating and experts. Technical assistance was
nutrition in UHC and building resilience as extended by the Country Offices of the United
inextricable levers for critical and priority Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the
action. World Food Programme (WFP).

The PPAN 2023-2028 is aligned with the In early 2022, the University of the
directions set in the thematic chapters of the Philippines Los Baños Foundation, Inc.
PDP 2023-2028 and supports the desired initiated the development of the PPAN.
outcomes and national targets of the Throughout the second quarter of 2022,
relevant Chapters, including: PPAN Ad Hoc meetings were conducted to
shape the plan. In August 2022, a crucial
● Chapter 3 Reduce Vulnerabilities and
PPAN Investment Planning (IP) Workshop
Protect Purchasing Power – 3.1 Ensure
was held to further refine the strategy. In
Food Security and Proper Nutrition and 3.2
the following months, from September to
Strengthen Social Protection;
October 2022, the PPAN underwent
● Chapter 2 Develop and Protect thorough revision, finalization, and
Capabilities of Individuals and Families – packaging.
2.1 Boost Health and 2.2 Improve
Education and Lifelong Learning; and In December 2022, the WFP) and UNICEF
extended support for the enhancement of the
● Chapter 5 Modernize Agriculture and PPAN.
Agribusiness.
In April 2023, a PPAN TOC Workshop was
Similarly, it considers the nutrition-related
conducted to solidify the plan's conceptual
strategies in the Philippine National Objectives
foundation. In May 2023, the draft Enhanced
for Health (NOH) 2023-2028; Philippine Social
PPAN 2023-2028 was presented to the public
Protection (SP) Floor 2023-2028; Basic
through an online consultation and to the NNC
Education Development Plan (BEDP) 2030;
Technical Committee (TechCom).
NAFMIP 2021-2030, particularly Chapter 1 -
Inclusive Food and Nutrition Security via Agri-
Fishery Industrialization; and the DSWD

9
June 2023 witnessed two significant events: agencies are tasked with: (1) actions to
consultations with children and adolescents mitigate and alleviate hunger in times of
regarding PPAN and a presentation of the plan calamities; (2) implement DSP in day
to the NEDA – Social Development Committee care centers and schools; (3) ensure
(SDC). In July-August 2023, the NNC availability, accessibility, and
Governing Board (GB) approved PPAN 2023- sustainability of food supplies; (4) engage
2028 through an ad referendum process. the poor in activities to promote food
self-sufficiency and strengthen access to
The development process benefitted from resources and means to ensure food
the diverse expertise and insights of security.
policymakers and stakeholders from
government and the SUN networks - the Following this principle, nutrition
academe, business, civil society interventions should improve food security
organizations (CSOs) and development and access to nutritious food for all
partners; non-government organizations individuals, particularly those vulnerable or
(NGOs), professional organizations, marginalized. Further, malnutrition violates
representatives of LGUs and the Union of human rights because every individual has
Local Authorities of the Philippines the right to a standard of living adequate
(ULAP), representatives of children and for health and well-being, including food,
youth and regional nutrition committees medical care, and social services, as
(RNC). enshrined in Article 25 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights.
Guiding Principles
2. Equity and social justice. The
implementation of PPAN aims to address
The PPAN 2023-2028 is guided by the
the underlying social determinants that
following principles that are crucial in
result in malnutrition such as poverty,
determining the best ways to achieve the
gender inequalities, health disparities, and
desired outputs and outcomes of the plan:
social injustice. Regardless of gender,
PPAN should reach the most vulnerable
1. Food is a fundamental human right
populations including women, children,
and nutrition is a basic child’s right.
persons with disabilities, older persons,
The Constitution obligates the State to
low-income households, and those living in
protect the people’s right to health
geographically isolated and disadvantaged
(Article II, Section 15), and defend the
areas (GIDAs).
right of children to proper food and
nutrition (Article XV, Section 3).
3. Intra- and Inter-sectoral collaboration.
Meanwhile, RA 11291 (Magna Carta of
Implementing the PPAN requires the
the Poor) mandates the government to
involvement of multiple sectors, such as
establish a system of progressive
health, agriculture, education, and social
realization of the “rights of the poor”
protection, among others. PPAN
which are deemed essential to alleviate
recognizes cooperation, partnership, and
poverty. One of these rights is the right to
coordination among various sectors to
adequate food (Section 4a), for which
ensure its success. It also requires that
DSWD, DA, and other implementing

10
 actors within each sector have a common outcomes are rooted in evidence. It
understanding of their roles in the PPAN. involves using evidence to make
informed decisions about program
4. Community participation. The strategies, selecting interventions that
participation of the communities is have been proven to be effective, and
essential in the implementation of PPAN. regular monitoring to evaluate program
Community involvement improves the success. Evidence-based programming
relevance and acceptability of the ensures that PPAN interventions are
interventions in PPAN, enhances their effective, efficient, and sustainable in
sustainability, and promotes ownership. achieving health and nutrition outcomes.
Community participation in nutrition also
means that families and individuals 6. Sustainability. The PPAN is designed with
recognize that they are part of the solution long-term goals and strategies to ensure
to prevent and solve malnutrition by being sustainability. It includes providing
responsible for their nutritional needs and financial and human resources and
doing something to meet them. Enabling continuous monitoring and evaluation to
communities to participate implies that assess its impact. The PPAN 2023-2028
there is a high level of participation of considers the impact of climate change in
LGUs including the barangay local nutrition and includes interventions that
governments. support sustainable healthy diets through
sustainable food systems.
5. Evidence-based approach. Evidence-
based programming refers to designing Risks and Assumptions
and implementing nutrition-related
interventions and strategies based on The implementation of the PPAN rests on
scientific evidence of what works. This certain assumptions which must be made
means utilizing research and evaluation available to ensure success in achieving its
data to inform program planning, goals and targets.
implementation, and evaluation and
ensure the program's strategies and

11
 Assumptions or conditions for successful PPAN.
These must be made available to ensure achievement of its goals and targets.
1. Duty-bearers and stakeholders prioritize food and nutrition security at all
levels. There is commitment to invest time and resources to implement PPAN.
2. There is a strong collaboration and partnership among national government
agencies (NGAs), NGOs, development partners, CSOs, academe, and LGUs.
3. NGAs and LGUs have adequate financial and competent human resources in
place to deliver appropriate food security, health, and nutrition-related
programs and services.
4. Necessary nutrition bills receive support from legislators and are certified
priority by the President.
5. There is a common and general recognition of the value of social and behavior
change for nutrition among stakeholders.
6. Quality evidence-based and real-time data are available and utilized for plan
and program formulation.
7. Stakeholders are open to adopting innovative nutrition interventions.
8. A comprehensive functional M&E system is in place.

Risks refer to factors outside the program factors that prevent the achievement of
that can negatively impact the successful targets.
implementation of the PPAN. These are

Risks that can negatively impact the successful implementation of the PPAN.
These are the factors that prevent the achievement of its goals and targets.
1. Inadequate political will and support for nutrition affect programming.
2. Fast turn-over of trained nutrition staff disrupts regular nutrition activities.
3. Capacity of the media to validate nutrition-related messages.
4. Interference of industry in nutrition marketing strategies.
5. Private sector power and influence on policy development for nutrition.
6. Non-implementation of nutrition-related interventions affect PPAN outcomes.
7. Protracted food and economic crises continue to impact nutrition.
8. Fragmented and non-functioning data systems for nutrition lead to poor
planning practices.

12
Mitigating risks and external factors that further underscore the need for
can adversely affect the successful comprehensive risk management.
implementation of the PPAN 2023-2028 Additionally, the fragmented and non-
is a paramount concern. These external functioning data systems for nutrition
challenges encompass various planning demand attention.
dimensions, from inadequate political
support and frequent staff turnover to To effectively manage these risks, a
media validation capabilities and private holistic strategy is imperative, which
sector interference in nutrition marketing includes advocacy, staff retention efforts,
strategies. Moreover, the influence of the media engagement, industry regulation,
private sector on nutrition policy and robust data management. This
development and the non-implementation proactive approach will help ensure that
of vital nutrition interventions can PPAN remains resilient in the face of
hamper PPAN's intended outcomes. external challenges, ultimately advancing
Ongoing food and economic crises the nutrition agenda in the Philippines.

13
The challenges that Filipinos face in diabetes, which collectively, is the leading
nutrition are multifaceted, ranging from cause of death globally (GBD, 2019).
stunting, wasting and micronutrient Obesity, in particular, can also have mental
deficiencies, to the growing concerns of health implications among adolescents and
overweight and obesity. young adults. In addition, poor nutrition is
also linked to lower earning potential and
There is an urgent call to address labor force productivity. Adults who have
malnutrition as early as possible because it experienced stunting have reduced
has short and long-term consequences on an productivity, which can impact their lifetime
individual’s growth, health, and the earning potential. This in turn, can lead to
country’s overall development. increased poverty and decreased economic
growth in the affected areas. Furthermore,
In the short-term, nutritionally at-risk (NAR) malnutrition raises the costs of health care
pregnancies have a higher likelihood of and social safety nets and lowers the
pregnancy complications that are detrimental efficacy of investments in education. These
to both the mother and the child. Specific challenges necessitate a well-considered and
micronutrient deficiencies in the mother can holistic approach that brings together the
lead to devastating birth defects in the baby. efforts of government agencies, civil society,
Even without apparent abnormalities, private sector, and individuals alike.
neonates born of NAR mothers are at a
higher risk of being small or LBW. Good nutrition continues to evade a
Undernourished children in turn are more significant proportion of the population
vulnerable to infections, making them more across all age groups. Undernutrition in
likely to develop diseases such as diarrhea, the form of stunting, wasting, and being
measles, and pneumonia, thereby increasing underweight affects preschool age
childhood mortality risk. The repeated bouts children, school-age children and
of illnesses exacerbate malnutrition, and adolescents; pregnant women are
these children are also less likely to benefit considered NAR; and adults and older
from early learning interventions with persons suffer from chronic energy
resulting suboptimal development. deficiency (CED). At the same time,
overnutrition is increasingly affecting all
In the long-term, malnutrition increases the population groups. Micronutrient
likelihood of developing non-communicable deficiencies mainly deficiencies in
diseases (NCDs) later in life such as vitamin A, iron and iodine are still
cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and present in vulnerable groups. These three

14
forms of malnutrition reflect a situation of giving birth to LBW babies, had a
called triple burden of malnutrition. downward trend since 1998 and has
While there have been considerable decreased significantly from 25% in 2015 to
improvements in the last decades in 16% in 2021 (Figure 1), with a higher
reducing child undernutrition and prevalence among teens (DOST-FNRI,
micronutrient deficiencies, 2022).
improvements have been at a slow pace
compared to other countries. The Unlike the NAR pregnant women, the trend
complex nature of malnutrition makes it of lactating women with CED, though
difficult to solve with multi-factorial downward, has been slow, but decreased to
causes ranging from genetic, cultural, a single digit (8%) in 2021. Meanwhile,
social, economic, and environmental. overweight and obesity among lactating
women has been increasing, from 13.6% in
The following discussion explains the 1998 to 30.6% in 2021. The only decrease in
nutritional problems that affect each life its prevalence was during 2008, while the
stage. It provides the trends and potential rest of the years, the increases have mostly
drivers of malnutrition. been steep.

Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW) The prevalence of anemia (23%) in this
group is of moderate public health
Nutrition during pregnancy is important for concern. VAD is of mild public health
both the mother and baby. The prevalence of significance at 3.0% for pregnant and
NAR pregnant women, which increases risk 2.2% for lactating women.

Figure 1. Trends in Malnutrition among pregnant and lactating women (DOST-FNRI,

2010) (DOST-FNRI, 2016) (DOST-FNRI, 2021) (DOST-FNRI, 2022).

Inadequate consumption of sufficient and energy and protein intakes. Moreover, high
high-quality food remains the major inadequacies of Vitamin A, C, iron, calcium,
contributor to malnutrition among pregnant and B vitamins are present in both groups,
and lactating women (PLW) as nine (9) out given the higher requirements during
of ten (10) fail to meet their recommended pregnancy and lactation (DOST-FNRI,

15
2021). The increased iron intake Though improving from past years, early
requirement during pregnancy can only be pregnancy, poor birth spacing, and large
supplied through iron-folic acid (IFA) family size still exist especially in rural
supplementation. While 86.2% of pregnant areas (PSA, 2023). These exacerbate the
women took iron-containing supplements conditions of pregnant women.
during pregnancy (PSA, 2023), the
challenge is increasing compliance to the Children 0-23 months
prescribed dosage of 180 tablets during
pregnancy. Stunting prevalence remains to be of high
public health significance (Figure 2)
Poor health-seeking behavior of PLW is also affecting one (1) in five (5) (21.6%)
a major cause of malnutrition. Pregnant children under-two and increases as the
women need to have at least four (4) child advances in age. The prevalence of
antenatal care (ANC) visits1. Overall, there stunting among children aged 12-23
was a significant decrease in the percentage months, at 28.6%, is triple that of stunted
of pregnant women that availed ANC from infants aged 0-5 months (8.9%).
skilled providers across all wealth quintiles, Underweight and wasting is both of
from 93% in 2017 to 86% in 2022. medium public health significance for
However, women from the poorest wealth children under two years, affecting 12.3%
quintile have a significantly lower and 7.2%, respectively (DOST-FNRI,
percentage than the average of all quintiles 2022). Wasting is highest within this age
in terms of receiving ANC from a skilled group compared to children under-five
provider (73.5%), having at least four (4) years overall. Anemia among 6-11
ANC visits (65.6%), and birth delivery by a months is severe (DOST-FNRI, 2021).
skilled provider (72.7%).

1 based on the updated WHO guidelines and as adopted by the ASEAN, a minimum of eight
ANC contacts is recommended, with one, two, and five contacts in the first, second, and third
trimesters, respectively.
16
 FIGURE 2. Trends in malnutrition among 0-23 months, 2015, 2018-2019, 2021
(FNRI-ENNS 2021, DOST-FNRI 2022)

Poor infant and young child feeding (IYCF) Children 2-5 Years Old
practices remain a considerable challenge to
undernutrition. For instance, while 60.1% of Stunting among children 3-5 years old is
the overall population of children under six of high public health significance at
months are EBF, only 32.1% are EBF at five 26.6%, while underweight and
months, and only 41.8% continue overweight are of medium public health
breastfeeding for up to 2 years. Poor significance at 19.7% and 5.9%,
complementary feeding practices amplify respectively (Figure 3). Stunting
the situation as only 13.3% of children meet prevalence decreases by age, with a
the MAD, with a prevalence of 2.6% among slightly higher prevalence among girls
6-11 months old children. MAD is not and significantly higher among those
significantly different among wealth living in rural areas (29%) and in poor
quintiles implying that access to nutritious (29.3%) and poorest (42.2%) households
food is not the only factor. Moreover, 34.6% (DOST-FNRI, 2022). Stunting is
of children 6-23 months old already comparable among males and females
consume sweetened beverages, while 45.7% but significantly higher among those in
consume food considered unhealthy (DOST- rural areas (32.4%), poor (32.9%), and
FNRI, 2021). poorest (44.2%) households.

17
 Figure 3. Trends in malnutrition among children under five years old
(DOST-FNRI, 2010) (DOST-FNRI, 2016) (DOST-FNRI, 2021) (DOST-FNRI, 2022).

Stunting among children under-five has Contrary to undernutrition, overweight and

been of very high public health significance obesity among children under-five has been
in the Philippines since 1989, with gradual gradually increasing for the past 30 years
decrease through the years, then dipped but maintained its status of low public health
down to the border of high and medium in significance. In 2013, the prevalence
2008, which eventually went back up to very breached into medium public health
high in 2011. Since then, stunting has been significance by 0.1 percentage point but
decreasing for the past six years, but still of went back to low by 2015.
high public health significance (Figure 3).
VAD among children, six months to five
Wasting among children under-five has years old, is of moderate public health
remained of medium public health significance at 15.5% (DOST-FNRI,
significance in the last three decades (1989 2021).
up to 2021), with minor fluctuations over the
years.

Figure 4. Trends in Malnutrition among children 5-9 years old

(DOST-FNRI, 2010) (DOST-FNRI, 2016) (DOST-FNRI, 2021) (DOST-FNRI, 2022).

18
School Age-Children (5-9 years) health significance since 2003, with gradual
initial increase then decreased in the last
Stunting was of very high public health decade and is presently at the border of high
significance in 2003 but with a downward and medium (Figure 5). In 2021, wasting is
trend and has now gone down to the border significantly higher among females but
of high and medium (Figure 4). Wasting is comparable across age groups, place of
of medium public health significance for the residence, and wealth status. Similar also
past 20 years with gradual increases from with school age-children, overweight and
2005 to 2013 then very gradually declined obesity among adolescents had an upward
from 2015 to 2021 (Figure 4). Similar with trend, breaching the high public health
the younger age groups, overweight and significance threshold in 2018.
obesity among 5-9 years old has been
increasing through the years. However, in One (1) in every ten (10) adolescents
2018, its public health significance breached suffer from overweight and obesity with
the high category from medium. Steep 13% prevalence. (Figure 5). The
increase in the prevalence of overweight and prevalence is comparable between sexes,
obesity is very apparent in this age group highest among 10-12 years old and
and is on the border of high and very high. significantly higher in urban areas
In 2021, stunting is comparable among age (16.2%) and among the rich (17.6%),
groups, sex, and place of residence but and richest (25.6%) households.
significantly higher among poor (23.2%)
and poorest (32.7%) households. On the The increase in overweight and obesity
other hand, wasting is significantly higher is related to poor diets and physical
among males (7.8%) than females (6%) and inactivity. Seven (7) out of ten (10) or
comparable among the age group, wealth 70.2% of adolescents are not sufficiently
status, and place of residence. Meanwhile, physically active (DOST-FNRI, 2022).
overweight prevalence is similar in both Increased sedentary behavior due to use
sexes, increases with age groups, and is of gadgets at home and in schools, and
significantly higher in urban (17.3%) areas inadequate knowledge and awareness of
and rich (22.0%) and richest (34.6%) good nutrition practices are prevalent
households (DOST-FNRI, 2022). among adolescents.

Adolescents (10-18 years) The proportion of NAR pregnancies is

higher among adolescents than in other
Similar with school age-children, stunting age groups (DOST-FNRI, 2022).
was of very high public health significance Adolescents' anemia (7.0%) was of mild
in 2003, it also had a downward trend with a public health significance (DOST-FNRI,
steep decline from 2015 to 2021 and is now 2021). More than 90% of adolescents
down to high public health significance have inadequate consumption of food
(Figure 5). Wasting has been of high public rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

19
 Figure 5. Trends in Malnutrition among Adolescents
(DOST-FNRI, 2010) (DOST-FNRI, 2016) (DOST-FNRI, 2021) (DOST-FNRI, 2022).

About one (1) out of three (3) or 38% of (DOST-FNRI, 2022). Overweight and
adolescents 13-15 years old drink at least obesity is more common among females and
one carbonated drink every day and 74% of those in urban areas. High waist
the same age group consume less than 3 circumference (abdominal obesity) and
servings of vegetables every day. Only 47 waist-to-hip ratio are more prevalent among
percent of schools have access to safe females and those in urban areas.
drinking water.
The prevalence of CED reduced from
Poor lifestyle is apparent with 2.3%) 14% (1993) to 7.2% (2021). The highest
adolescents being current smokers, and prevalence of CED is noted among early
13.2% being current alcohol drinkers, with adults (20-29 years) (DOST-FNRI,
more males (53.5%) engaged in binge 2022). Anemia also declined,
drinking than females (46.8%) (DOST- particularly among female adults
FNRI, 2022). (DOST-FNRI, 2021).

Adults (19-59 years) Elevated blood pressure significantly

declined, while high fasting blood sugar
In almost three (3) decades, the proportion continues to increase, and impaired
of adults suffering from overweight, and fasting glucose (110-125 mg/dL) or pre-
obesity nearly doubled from 1993 (17%) to diabetes increased more than three-fold
2021 (40.2%) with two (2) out of five (5) over the past decade.
adults being overweight or obese (Figure 6)

20
 Figure 6. Trends in malnutrition among adult and older adults, 2015, 2018-2019
(FNRI-ENNS 2021, FNRI 2022)

The increasing rate of overnutrition across among females and those in urban areas.
the different life stages could be attributed to High waist circumference is also
physical inactivity and poor diets due to significantly higher among older adult
increased access to processed food that are females (30.2%) than males (5.4%) of the
high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and calories. same age group (DOST-FNRI, 2022).
Anemia slightly decreased in 2018-2019
More than half of current drinkers were (DOST-FNRI, 2021).
binge drinkers, physical inactivity slightly
decreased, and smoking declined steadily.
This result is evident among male adults and Elevated blood pressure significantly
those in rural areas (DOST-FNRI, 2021). decreased with one (1) in every three (3) or
33.4% older adults having elevated blood
Older Adults (60 years and above) pressure (DOST-FNRI, 2022). Physical
inactivity is also slightly reduced. The
CED is classified as a medium public health proportion of current smokers and binge
problem among older adults. Three out of drinkers slightly declined among the current
ten (31.6%) older persons are overweight or drinkers, particularly among females
obese (Figure 6), which is more common (DOST-FNRI, 2021).

21
Causality of Malnutrition
The different forms of malnutrition are
The Conceptual Framework of Malnutrition related to other social determinants of
links the many causes of malnutrition at nutrition in the country. Across the various
varying levels of the environment (Figure 7). life stages, many Filipino households lack
There are immediate causes, underlying access to nutritious food, and crucial health,
causes at the household or family level, and nutrition, and sanitation services, and exhibit
basic causes at the societal level (ASEAN, poor health and nutrition-seeking behaviors.
UNICEF, & WHO, 2016).

Figure 7. Conceptual Framework of Malnutrition, as adapted by Southeast Asian Region, 2016

Immediate causes. Inadequate food intake was likely to have not been breastfed nor
and poor diet quality are the immediate received adequate and diverse
causes of child malnutrition, with the 2021 complementary foods (FAO, 2021).
National Nutrition Survey (NNS) showing Maternal factors found to be contributory
that most school children failed to meet to Filipino child stunting were maternal
their recommended energy and protein height, maternal body mass index (BMI),
intake. Insufficient consumption of and diversity of child’s diet (Ulep et al.,
essential micronutrients is also prevalent. 2022).
Additionally, stunted children under-five

22
Physical inactivity is another immediate screen time negatively impacts school
cause of malnutrition (i.e. children's physical activity and dietary
overweight/obesity), with Filipino children habits which (Rocka et al., 2022).
falling short of recommended physical Inadequacies in the physical environment
activity levels (Cagas et al., 2022). of households and communities and
unhygienic practices (including open
Underlying causes at household or defecation) also relate to the lack of safe
family level. Access to sufficient, diverse, water and sanitation facilities and spaces
and good-quality food is one of the main for physical activity. There are widespread
drivers of stunting among children under- inadequacies in the health systems:
five. Among children 2-5 years old, facilities, skilled health and nutrition
households with lower shock workers, high turnover of staff and
classifications such as food shortage, volunteers, limited growth monitoring and
increased food prices, shortage of promotion, admission delays despite the
medicine, and impact index will be less identification of wasting, lack of referral
likely to have stunted children under-five. system, poor information systems, weak
The co-existence of stunting and wasting in supply chain management, little technical
children under-five is expected to occur if understanding among teachers on nutrition
their household experienced stress and within the school curricula, lack of
social shock, had lower food consumption nutrition services for adolescents, and a
scores, and had low consumption of heme lack of basic health screening and a
iron food source (FAO, 2021). Maternal lifestyle program for adults and older
factors found to be contributory to stunting persons. These lead to limited coverage of
among Filipino children were prenatal care nutrition service delivery in health
received by pregnant women and practice facilities, early childhood education
of iron supplementation for children (Ulep centers, schools, and communities,
et al., 2022). especially in GIDAs.

Insufficient nutrition knowledge among There is a strong interconnection between

parents and a limited understanding of poor oral health and malnutrition.
children's nutritional status contribute to Malnutrition affects oral health and poor
the high prevalence of malnutrition. The oral health leads to malnutrition and affects
2020 Rapid Nutrition Assessment (FNRI- all life stages, from pregnancy to old age.
DOST, 2021) showed the limited Poor oral health such as missing teeth or
perception of mothers on children’s inflamed gums lead to inability in chewing
nutritional status, which may affect their or swallowing food which negatively
beliefs and practices. impacts nutrition, with the consumption of
soft fewer and lower nutritional value
Sedentary lifestyle and behavior are meals. Malnourished children lack proper
another underlying cause for malnutrition. nutrients leading to an increased risk of
The school and community environment oral health-related disease which can
greatly influence physical activity, but negatively impact the quality of life.
many communities lack the necessary Malnourished children also affect the oral
facilities and support. Moreover, excessive

23
structure during the development of the Poverty incidence was estimated at 18.1% in
body. 2021, higher than the figure in 2015 of
16.7%. The worsening poverty was the
Basic causes at societal level. Deficiencies economic crisis due to COVID-19.
in health and nutrition services are due to
limited appreciation, political will, and As early as 2015, the cost of a diet that met
investment of LGUs in ensuring food nutrition recommendations was 44%
security, health, and nutrition in higher than the actual food expenditure of
communities. One major issue is the absence households (Mbuya et al., 2020). By item,
or limited presence of human resources. expenditure allocation for starchy staples
While there was a general improvement in exceeds the cost of starchy staples in a
the nutrition budget in the past years, there healthy diet; items that fall short are
is not enough investment in nutrition, vegetables (193% higher), fruits (400%
resulting in inadequate service delivery, higher), and even fats and oils (339%
limited tracking of vulnerable groups, higher). The high cost of food is
documentation, monitoring, and evaluation. compounded by recent bouts of food price
Coordination of the PPAN across levels inflation, which peaked at 10.8% in
rests in the NNC. A World Bank (WB) January 2023 after averaging 5.9% in
report noted that while the NNC is the 2022, up from 4.2% in 2021. These bouts
highest policymaking and coordinating body of inflation have thwarted the recovery of
on nutrition, it is dependent on the household nutrient intake during the
commitment of the agencies in its economic recovery from the pandemic
Governing Board. The NNC Secretariat (Briones, 2022). According to PDP 2023-
needs sufficient resources to enable it to 2028, the high cost of food in the market is
effect meaningful change at the national due to limited supply, high price, and high
level as well as across concerned sectors.” postharvest loss at the production stage,
The report further noted that “The NNC combined with high inefficiencies in food
Secretariat has to be strengthened to provide processing and distribution, i.e., logistics.
the supervisory and oversight capacities
needed for programs to run effectively and Children in households with frequent crises
efficiently and be enabled to respond to gaps and calamities such as drought, typhoons,
in program implementation.” fire, and endemics are more likely to be
stunted. On the other hand, households
Another basic cause of malnutrition is the with sufficient access to coping strategies
high cost of food in the market. Purchasing for food and livelihood such as borrowing
power in many households needs to be money or receiving support from relatives
higher to afford a healthy diet. The per have lesser chances of having a stunted
capita gross domestic product (GDP) of the child. The maternal factor at the societal
country was USD 3,623 (~PHP 200,000) in level that accounts for child stunting in the
2022, qualifying it for middle-income status. Philippines is maternal education, which
However, the distribution of income is also contributed to the large disparity
highly unequal, ultimately affecting the between the prevalence of poor and non-
overall quality of life for all members of the poor stunted children (Ulep et al., 2022).
society in the Philippines. (WB, 2022).

24
Schools have a vital role in promoting considering its reach and difficulty in
nutrition knowledge and practices. School- making manufacturers accountable (Becker
based nutrition education improves et al., 2022; WHO, 2022).
knowledge about proper food and nutrition
behaviors (Glorioso et al., 2020). However, Effect of COVID-19 on the nutrition situation
the absence of competent educators to
integrate nutrition into the curriculum and In the Rapid Nutrition Assessment Survey
securing supportive policies hinders their (RNAS) conducted 2020 (DOST-FNRI,
efforts. 2021), 62.1% of the surveyed households
experienced moderate or severe food
Food marketing, in addition, heavily insecurity, a 21.9-point increase from
promotes unhealthy food and beverages 2019. During the varying levels of
which negatively influences the food community quarantine in 2020, 56.3% of
environment affecting dietary patterns of the households were reported to have faced
population especially children. Digital food problems accessing food. About 41.6% of
marketing monitoring study in the these households had problems accessing
Philippines, showed that social media is food due to lack of money. Food insecurity
saturated with marketing of unhealthy foods was highest among households with
and non-alcoholic beverages. Of the 20 children 0-12 (74.7%) years old and
brands studied, over 99% were not suitable pregnant women (80.8%) than among
for marketing to children according to WHO households without such members.
Regional criteria and yet very appealing
particularly to children. (UNICEF, 2021) The top strategies adopted by families to
access food were purchasing through credit
Among older adults, aside from being an (71.8%); borrowing food from family,
individual choice, health-seeking behavior neighbors, and friends (66.3%); bartering
has been shown to improve with increasing of food (30.2%); and reduction of the
social support and networks (Bernardo and amount of food intake of adults for
Tolentino, 2019). children to have more (21.1%) (DOST-
FNRI, 2021).
Another pressing, timely, and underlying
concern is the proliferation of digital and In 2020, select 2022 outcome targets and
social media marketing of breastmilk sub-outcome targets of the PPAN 2017-
substitutes and commercially prepared 2022 were adjusted in consideration of the
complementary food that peaked during the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well
COVID-19 pandemic. Such a method poses as of its 2019 mid-term assessment.
higher risks than traditional ones

25
Figure 8. UNICEF Conceptual Framework on the Determinants of Maternal and Child Nutrition, 2020. A
framework for the prevention of malnutrition in all its forms.

The UNICEF’s Conceptual Framework on driven by adequate services and practices.

the Determinants of Maternal and Child Diets and care influence each other. The
Nutrition acknowledges the evolving face co-occurrence of good diets and good care
of child malnutrition, which manifests leads to adequate nutrition for children and
itself as a triple burden: undernutrition, women across the life course.
including stunting and wasting;
deficiencies in essential vitamins and other A positive narrative about what contributes
micronutrients; and overweight and to good nutrition in children and women,
obesity. These forms of malnutrition, providing conceptual clarity about the
which often coexist, are driven by poor enabling, underlying and immediate
diets and poor care practices and services. determinants of adequate nutrition; their
vertical and horizontal interconnectedness;
It also highlights the role of diets and care and the positive survival, growth,
as immediate determinants of maternal and development, performance, and economic
child nutrition. Good diets are driven by outcomes resulting from improved
adequate food and feeding. Good care is nutrition is used in the framework.

26
Gains
Through the implementation of the
Achievement of nutrition outcomes PPAN from 2017-2022, the Philippines
made significant strides in addressing
Like its predecessor, the PPAN for 2017- various nutrition indicators, successfully
2022 is an integral part of the PDP 2017- achieving seven out of 15 indicators
2022, and it is consistent with the 10-point outlined in Table 4. Notably, the
Economic Agenda of the previous prevalence of LBW, stunting and
administration, the Philippine Health wasting among children and NAR
Agenda. It considered the country’s pregnant women decreased. Further,
commitments to the global community as targets for stunting and wasting among
embodied in the 2030 SDGs, the 2025 children under the age of five were met.
Global Targets for Maternal, Infant, and The target for stunting was adjusted
Young Child Nutrition, and the 2014 midway due to the slow progress and the
International Conference on Nutrition impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
(ICN). It had eight nutrition-specific Wasting is still of medium level of
programs, an initial list of ten nutrition- public health significance, whereas
sensitive programs, and three enabling stunting remains of high public health
programs. significance.

Table 3: Achievement of PPAN Targets

PPAN 2017-2022
Target, NNS data, Target,
NNS data,
Indicator PPAN 2008 and PPAN PPAN
2013-2015 ENNS
2005-2010 2011 2011-2016 Baseline Targets
2021
(2022)
CHILDREN
Prevalence of low birth Contribute 19.6 <19.6 21.4 21.4 16.6 15
weight infants (%) to
reduction
in LBW
Percentage of infants five 24.7 33.3 32.1
months old who are
exclusively breastfed (%)

27
 PPAN 2017-2022
Target, NNS data, Target,
NNS data,
Indicator PPAN 2008 and PPAN PPAN
2013-2015 ENNS
2005-2010 2011 2011-2016 Baseline Targets
2021
(2022)
Percentage of children 6-23 18.6 22.5 13.3
months old meeting the
minimum acceptable diet
(%)
Prevalence of children six 14.9 15.2 <15 20.4 20.4 <15 15.5**
months to 5 years old with
Vitamin A deficiency (%)
Prevalence of stunted 21.6 33.6 20.9 33.4 33.4 28.8 26.7
children under-five (%)
Prevalence of wasted n/a 7.3 <5.0 7.1 7.1 <7.1 5.5
children under-five (%)
Prevalence of thin school- n/a 9.1 8.1 8.9 8.6 <8.6 6.9
age children (%)
Median urinary iodine At least 132 At least 168 168 ≥100 174**
concentration (UIC) among 100 100
children 6-12 years old
(mcg/L)
Percent of children 6-12 <20 19.7 <20 16.4 16.4 <20 12.4**
years old with urinary iodine
concentration <50mcg/L (%)
Prevalence of overweight n/a 4.8 < 3.3 3.9 3.8 <3.8 3.9
among children under five
years old (%)
Prevalence of overweight n/a 7.5 < 6.5 2.1 8.6 <8.6 14.0
school-age children (5-10
years old), %
PREGNANT WOMEN
Proportion of nutritionally- 20.9 25.0 22.3 24.8 24.8 20 16.4
at-risk pregnant women (%)
Median urinary iodine n/a 105 At least 105 105 ≥150 122**
concentration among 150
pregnant women (mcg/L)

LACTATING WOMEN
Median urinary iodine n/a 81 At least 77 77 ≥100 99
concentration among 100
lactating women (mcg/L)
(%)
Percent of lactating women 20.0 34.0 n/a 34.3 34.3 <20 22
with urinary iodine
concentration <50mcg/L (%)
n/a – no target set *NDHS, 2023 **ENNS, 2018-2019

28
Gains in improving the policy the increased tax, sales of sweetened
environment for nutrition beverages were sustained by
improvement enhanced marketing and production
variants in small portions one month
Four (4) nutrition and nutrition-related after effectivity of the law. Further,
laws were enacted in the last plan period. Huse, et. al (2023) found that the
corporate political activities during
1. RA 11148, or the Kalusugan at the formulation of the legislation
Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act. This have influenced the design of the law
landmark law aims to scale-up the and has reduced its full potential for
interventions in the first 1000 days of better health outcomes and higher
life. It provides the enabling revenues.
environment for stakeholders to
provide for the critical early 4. RA 11037 or the Masustansyang
childhood care and development Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino
(ECCD) interventions from pre- Act of 2017 or An Act
pregnancy, pregnancy and the first Institutionalizing a National
two (2) years of life of a child to Feeding Program for
enable optimal nutrition and Undernourished Children in
development and prevent childhood Public Day Care, Kindergarten
stunting. and Elementary Schools to
Combat Hunger and
2. RA 11210 or the 100-day Undernutrition among Filipino
Expanded Maternity Leave Law of Children and Appropriating
2019. The law grants 105 days of Funds Therefor. The law provides
paid maternity leave for female for a national feeding program
workers to provide them ample time starting with children aged three (3)
to regain health and overall wellness years old. The law, however, does
and assume maternal roles. The law not provide for a feeding program
supports women workers to have a targeting the first 1000 days
longer period to breastfeed their including NAR pregnant women and
baby. children 6-23 months in the most
critical period of preventing
3. RA 10963 or the Tax Reform for childhood stunting.
Acceleration and Inclusion Law of
2017 which provides additional tax At the regional level, the ASEAN
on sweetened beverages. The law Leaders Declaration on the Ending All
resulted in an overall decrease in Forms of Malnutrition was adopted
consumption of sweetened beverages during the 31st ASEAN Summit in
from 664 ml in 2015 to 492 mL in November 2017, the highest political
2018-2019 when the law was commitment towards addressing
implemented (DOST-FNRI, Food malnutrition through a multisectoral
Consumption Survey 2018-2019). collaborative approach. A 12-year
Onangan et. al. reported that despite strategic framework and action plan was

29
formulated in May 2018 to implement 11223 or the UHC Act on 20 February
the declaration. 2019 which will facilitate the
improvement of the entire health system;
RA No. 11036 (Mental Health Act), RA
Administrative Issuances on Nutrition
No. 11037 (Masustansyang Pagkain
para sa Batang Pilipino Act), RA No.
Zero Hunger initiatives 11148 (First 1,000 Days Act), RA No.
11166 (Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy
In 2010, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Act), and RA No. 11210 (105-Day
Zero Hunger (IATF-ZH) was organized Expanded Maternity Leave Law). This
for a more effective and coordinated budget issuance also supported the
response to addressing hunger. additional funding requirements for the
According to its mandate, the task force expansion of Pantawid Pamilyang
was able to formulate a national food Pilipino Program (4Ps) increased
policy (NFP) with six (6) key result education, and health and nutrition cash
areas namely: 1) review and rationalize grants per child per month per
existing policies, rules, and regulations household.
related to zero hunger; 2) ensure
available and affordable food; 3) secure DILG issued Memo Circular 2018-42 for
nutrition adequacy; 4) secure food the Adoption and Implementation of the
accessibility and safety; 5) ensure PPAN 2017-2022 to enjoin all LGUs to
sustainable food systems, food formulate local nutrition action plans
resiliency, and stability; and 6) ensure (LNAP), ensure functionality of their
information, education, awareness, and local nutrition committees, appoint
people participation. Following a whole- nutrition action officers, and deploy
of-nation approach, the Pilipinas Kontra barangay nutrition scholars (BNS).
Gutom (PKG) movement was organized
and launched on 22 February 2022. PKG NNC Governing Board Resolutions
is a national and multi-sectoral anti-
hunger movement where government The NNC GB passed 19 Board
and private sector partners shall work Resolutions along the following
together on various programs with a concerns: approval of the PPAN 2017-
common goal: 1 million fewer hungry 2022 (2017) and the Nutrition in
Filipinos by 2022. Emergency (NiE) National Strategic
Plan 2017-2022 (2018); use of iron-
The DBM reinforced the implementation fortified rice (IFR) in social safety net
of the PPAN at the local level by having programs (SSNPs); guidelines on
nutrition as a requirement for the selection of non-wood height/length
submission of proposals for local measuring tools; policy statements on
budgets. The National Budget fad diets and nutrition programs for
Memorandum 132 issued in 2019 government workers; adoption of food
identified critical laws that needed funds security assessment tools and campaign
to be implemented to contribute in on nutrition and physical activity;
improving health and nutrition: RA No. development of a training regulation to

30
improve capacities of Barangay during the height of the COVID-19
Nutrition Scholars; and appointment of pandemic where key messages along
SUN government focal and adviser. IYCF practices were disseminated
using the various social media
The RNCs, the regional counterpart of platforms. The organization of
the NNC GB, passed 134 resolutions community-based support groups
from 2019 to 2021 focused on support to effectively improved breastfeeding
national programs and logistical support initiation within one hour of infant
for the implementation of nutrition birth, EBF for six months, and timely
programs. start of appropriate and safe
complementary feeding.
The NNC launched the PPAN Research
Agenda in 2021 among LGUs, NGAs, The passage of the RA 10028 or the
and the academe. The research agenda Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion
aimed to generate evidence through Act provided that policy environment
research on the development of to support, protect and encourage
nutrition-specific, -sensitive and -related working breastfeeding women. It
policies and programs, as well as to improved capacities of workplaces to
identify the research gaps and to promote IYCF practice through the
recommend research priorities that are adoption of a resolution on
consistent with the PPAN framework. supporting breastfeeding and
lactation in the workplace by the 16
Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace
Nutrition-specific programs
Councils.

Since 2017, PPAN has categorized There was a high compliance among
interventions into nutrition-specific and private establishments on work-
nutrition-sensitive interventions and related provisions of the law based
complemented with enabling on the presence of lactation stations
mechanisms. The accomplishments in non-heath establishments such as
mentioned earlier in the PPAN outcome malls, airports, transport terminals,
targets can be attributed to several and even inside buses as reported in
implemented interventions. the DOLE Labor Inspection
Program.
1. Infant and Young Child Feeding
(IYCF) Program. The program has The DOH Centers for Health and
significant accomplishments in Development (CHD) partnered with
hospital accreditation and labor groups for IYCF education in
certification as mother-baby friendly the workplace. They also augmented
and continuously delivering quality breastfeeding commodities for non-
service. Delivery of IYCF services health facilities, while DSWD
continued with increased capacity ensured that childminding centers
building for BNSs and Barangay have breastfeeding or lactation
Health Workers (BHWs), especially stations.

31
 To guide health and nutrition 3. National Dietary Supplementation
workers in observing compliance Program (NDSP). The DSWD
with the Implementing Rules and continued to implement the
Regulations (IRR) of the Philippine Supplementary Feeding Program for
Milk Code especially on milk preschool children aged 2-4 and 3-5
donations during the height of the years old, in the Supervised
COVID-19 pandemic, DOH issued Neighborhood Playgroups and
Department Memorandum 2020- Daycare Centers/Child Development
0231 on the Guidelines on the Centers, respectively through the
Standardized Regulation of LGUs. The DepED continued to
Donations, Related to Executive implement its school-based feeding
Order (EO) 51, series of 1986 (The program (SBFP) and during the
Philippine Milk Code) to Health COVID-19 pandemic distributed
Facilities and Workers, LGUs NGOs, nutritious food packs instead of hot
and Private Groups and Individuals meals to reach children in their home
in Support to the Response to while face-to-face classes were
Emergencies, Disasters, and suspended.
Situations Where Health and
Nutrition of Mothers, Infants, and The NNC implemented the Tutok
Young Children are Affected. Kainan Dietary Supplementation
Program (TKDSP) targeting
2. Integrated Management of Acute nutritionally at-risk pregnant women
Malnutrition (IMAM). All priority and children 6-23 months. The
provinces/cities were equipped to design of the program requires close
provide outpatient and inpatient monitoring of the target groups and
therapeutic care with health and their participation in the program.
nutrition workers trained to manage The program targets the Human
acute malnutrition. In addition, Development and Poverty Reduction
through the conduct of Bottleneck Cluster (HDPRC) priority provinces
Analyses for Severe Acute and typhoon-stricken areas. Other
Malnutrition (SAM) Programming, initiatives on NDSP include
UNICEF supported DOH in developing models to deliver dietary
identifying and mitigating the effects supplementation products;
of limitations of the current development of nutritious food
Information Management and Supply products by various state universities
Chain Management Systems aside offering Bachelor of Science in
from limited demand generation Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND)
activities. PhilHealth has also courses and their nutrition education
prioritized the development and activities.
approval of the SAM Benefit
Package for field-testing in 2023.

32
4. Mandatory Food Fortification. An technical assistance project in 2017.
assessment of the Food Fortification Findings from the project prompted
Program was conducted to determine DOH to plan to invest in the
program adjustments to meet the electronic logistics information
provisions of the RA 8976. system (eLIS), which did not
The Philippine Salt Industry materialize. In 2019, another
Roadmap 2021-2026 was also assessment of the supply chain and
crafted to provide an overview of the management system for health and
salt industry and its performance. nutrition commodities was
The roadmap also recommended conducted.
actions for sustainable and self-
sufficient salt production. The 6. Nutrition in Emergencies. The
Guidelines on Local Level Salt National Nutrition Cluster issued the
Iodization Program Monitoring and following advisories, two of which
Checklist was developed in 2020 to are specific to the COVID-19
standardize procedure and tools in pandemic: a) Guidelines on LGU
monitoring the salt iodization Nutrition Actions relative COVID-
program at all levels. 19, b) Recommendations on
Healthful and Nutritious Family
IFR was made available for the Food Packs and Sustainable Food
DepEd-SBFP and Tutok Kainan DSP Sources, c) IATF-EID Resolution 36
in support of NNC GB resolution on on recommendations on the
the use of iron fortified rice in social management of the COVID-19
safety net programs. situation, d) DOH Memo 2020-0231
on Standardized Regulation on
Monitoring of fortified foods was Donations related to EO 51, and e)
integrated in the Food and Drug DOH Memo 2020-0237 on the
Administration (FDA’s) routine Interim Guidelines on the Delivery
regulatory monitoring system. Thus, of Nutrition Services in the Context
requiring an increase in their staff of COVID-19 Pandemic.
complement to conduct monitoring.
Development, updating and
5. Micronutrient Supplementation. integration of the Disaster Risk
The primary health packages Reduction and Management for
financed by PhilHealth include Health - Nutrition in Emergencies
micronutrient supplements. DOH (DRRM-H-NiE) Plan in the local
continued to procure and distribute nutrition action plans at the national,
vitamin A capsules for pregnant and regional, and sub-regional levels was
lactating women and young children. done. Strategies to integrate the
In order to ensure availability of the DRRM-H-NiE Plan into the DRRM-
micronutrient supplements in all H Plan were integrated in the revised
health facilities, UNICEF evaluated NiE Training Manual used during the
the nutrition supply chain regional training of trainers in 2019.
management of DOH through a

33
The Policy Guide on Nutrition in families in Luzon/Visayas and
Emergencies was updated. Mindanao.

Training modules on NiE were 7. National Nutrition Promotion

updated, reproduced, and distributed Program for Behavior Change
to all trained nutrition clusters at all The program was led by an
levels. Members of the nutrition interagency Technical Working
clusters at all levels were capacitated Group (IATWG) organized in 2020
on NiE and IM with assistance from with the NNC - Nutrition
UNICEF, World Food Programme Information and Education Division
and UPLB. (NIED) acting as the secretariat. The
NNPPBC achieved provincial and
Key supplies such as micronutrient local implementation of the national
supplements, ready-to-use communication strategy and other
therapeutic food (RUTF) and ready- nutrition promotion activities, such
to-use supplementary food (RUSF), as the annual celebration of Nutrition
and other nutrition supplies were Month (NM) campaign and National
prepositioned by DOH and NNC Breastfeeding Awareness Month
were mobilized within 24-48 hours every July and August, respectively.
of an emergency or disaster. For Nutrition Month, themes were
Warehouses of DSWD were used as selected to increase awareness of the
temporary storage of nutrition public on certain nutrition topics or
supplies. issues. For 2017-2022, NM themes
were centered around First 1000
Inter and intra cluster coordination Days of life, healthy diets, physical
was done through the organization of activity, food production, child
Nutrition Clusters from the national, stunting, and nutrition resiliency.
regional, and sub-regional levels.
These were also the local nutrition The NNC has established and
committees that functioned as maintains strong regional media
nutrition clusters during emergencies networks across the country. These
and disasters such as the Mindanao media networks are responsible for
earthquake, Taal eruption, COVID- ensuring the implementation of the
19 pandemic, and Typhoon Odette. regional communication plan for
Conversations for a nutrition- nutrition promotion. The NNC is the
oriented family food pack was only government agency authorized
initiated in 2020 and was endorsed to by the National Telecommunications
DSWD. The family food pack was Commission (NTC) to establish and
modified based on the context of the operate low-powered radio stations
area and members of the family, e.g., through the Nutriskwela Community
inclusion of complementary food for Radio Network Program. The
young and older children and program ensured airing of various
different food composition for nutrition and other sectoral programs
and plugs in 50 LGUs with high

34
malnutrition rate and no access to which enabled them to update their
commercial radio. The Nutriskwela knowledge on nutrition concepts.
program also demonstrated
complementation of national and Social media platforms, i.e.,
local government, as well as state Facebook, TikTok, YouTube,
university and college resources for Twitter, Instagram, were used
the operationalization of the radio extensively to deliver nutrition
stations including hiring of station messages especially during the
personnel and provision of their COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly
salaries or honoraria. along with the First 1000 Days of life
strategy, NNC implemented a digital
Nutrition plugs and nutrition campaign through First 1000 Days
education programs on breastfeeding, PH Facebook page to cater to the
complementary feeding, salt millennial audience to improve their
iodization, healthy diet, 10 awareness and behavior. Social
Kumainments (Nutritional Guidelines media handles such as video series,
for Filipinos), among others, were cooking demo on complementary
developed, produced, and aired over food and recipes for pregnant
national and local radio and TV women, talk show series, jingle
stations. These include airing of video and online contests were
Radyo Mo sa Nutrisyon over DZXL posted.
and Katumbas ay Biyaya over DZRH
for radio; “Dok Ricky, Pedia ng Development, printing, and
Barangay” in partnership with the dissemination of IEC materials
ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya focused on ensuring good health and
Foundation, Inc., and UsaPPAN proper nutrition. These were made
segment over Unang Hirit TV for into flyers, brochures, posters, and
television. social media cards and were also
translated into local dialects.
In partnership with radio stations at Training modules on IYCF, nutrition
the national and local level, NNC for pregnant and lactating women,
and local nutrition offices conducted and early childcare and development
Nutrition School-on-Air (NSOA) were also developed by NNC
with 12 sessions focused on 10 through the Idol ko si Nanay and Idol
Kumainments. Aside from regular ko si Tatay Learning Modules. The
airing, the NSOA classes were live learning modules were provided to
streamed on the official FB pages of select ECCD F1K areas to
the partner radio stations to further complement the capacity building
elicit enrollment and completion of activities of nutrition workers and
the enrollees. The DepED issued volunteers at the local level.
Department Advisory 050 in March
2018 enjoining school teaching In support of the modeling and
personnel to enroll in the NSOA implementation of the NNC’s Tutok
Kainan Supplementation Program

35
established in late 2020, text blasting planning, safe food handling and
called Nutritext was introduced using preparation, and backyard gardening.
the usual SMS messaging. Program
participants receive updates or The concept of threefold approach
messages for adoption of behaviors with nutrition promotion and
and action on nutrition, antenatal education as one key component in
checkups, WASH, responsible addressing malnutrition and hunger,
parenting, and other ECCD-related was adopted by various NGOs,
messages. Mothers’ classes using the CSOs and the private sectors. These
Idol ko si Nanay Learning Module included Kain Tayo Pilipinas by the
are being held in some TK areas. Pilipinas Kontra Gutom Movement,
Integrated School Nutrition Model
Other key national government by the International Rural
agencies continued to conduct their Reconstruction Institute, Barangay
respective promotion and education F1KD by Nutrition International,
activities on proper nutrition. The among others.
DSWD’s Parent Effectiveness
Service conducted in Child 8. Overweight and Obesity
Development Centers for parents and Management and Prevention
guardians and Family Development Program (OOMPP). Several studies
Sessions for Pantawid Pamilyang were conducted to provide local
Pilipino Program (4Ps) households evidence on causes, interventions on
included modules on proper nutrition overweight and obesity. These
for children and families. This include the “Landscape analysis of
approach ensured that nutrition Overweight and Obesity on
concepts are integrated in the early Children'' (NCP, UNICEF 2021)
childhood care and development at which showed that the current food
the local levels. DepEd) is a strong environment promotes the sale of
partner in nutrition promotion unhealthy food and drinks among
through integration of nutrition in children; the economic environment
school curriculum. In addition, leads many Filipinos to depend on
public school teachers have used the cheaper unhealthy foods; and the
Gulayan sa Paaralan as a laboratory physical environment limits children
for learning and deeper appreciation to exercise. The UNICEF-supported
of food production in the community studies “Scan of Digital Ads of
and at home. DOST-FNRI developed Foods High in Fats, Sugar and Salt”,
the Package for the Improvement of “Study on children’s lived
Nutrition of Young Children experience of the food environment”,
(PINOY) project which included a and “The Market for Highly
component of nutrition education Processed Food and Drink: Driving
among mothers/caregivers on basic Children’s Diets in the Philippines''
nutrition, breastfeeding, revealed that the social environment
complementary feeding, meal encourages children to like unhealthy
foods.

36
The FAO supported the study was not approved in 2022 as it
“Introducing Calorie Labeling to required further enhancement and
Food Service Establishments: A consultation.
Feasibility Study of the NDAP
Foundation. The DOH also issued the Playbook
on Active Transport to promote
Considering the impact of marketing increased physical activity and the
of foods high in salt, sugar and fat Playbook on Karinderia para sa
among children, the Department of Healthy Pilipinas to promote healthy
Education issued DepED Order 13, diets. Meanwhile, the DepED
Series of 2017 to provide for improved nutrition literacy as part of
healthier food options in school. the curriculum particularly under
Physical Education and Health from
In response to the proliferation of fad kindergarten, elementary and junior
diets for weight loss, the NNC policy and senior high school.
statement on fad diets approved
through NNC GB Resolution No. 4 The DOLE issued Department Order
Series of 2018 was reproduced and 184 series of 2017 on “Safety and
disseminated among LGUs and other Health Measures for Workers Who,
stakeholders. By the Nature of their Work, Have to
Spend Long Hours” that directs all
DOST-FNRI analyzed the employers and establishments to
determinants of overweight and institute appropriate measures to
obesity which revealed that eliminate or minimize the health
interventions to reduce obesity risks of prolonged sitting. These
should consider the risk factors include 5 minute-breaks for every 2
especially in early childhood where hours sitting time and organizing
lifelong obesity can be prevented, activities to do more physical
and that preventing obesity means activities after work,
preventing undernutrition including
stunting in the early years. For older The draft national policy on
children, their diet and level of overweight and obesity was
physical activity determine the developed with the Ad hoc group on
likelihood of becoming obese. obesity in 2022 with public
consultations held. A draft strategic
One of the priority actions to address plan on addressing overweight and
obesity was to have legislation on obesity was also developed in 2022.
protecting children from harmful
marketing of foods high in salt, Local government units also had
sugar, and fat. As a basis for the several initiatives to address obesity
regulation, the NNC commissioned among their constituents. For
the DOST-FNRI to develop the example, Quezon City developed its
Philippine Nutrient Profile Model guidelines for healthy food
from (PNPM) 2019-2021. The model procurement while Muntinlupa

37
 issued guidelines on serving healthy creation of links among dairy
foods in meetings. Several LGUs cooperatives and LGUs.
also supported DepEd Order No. 13 The following nutrition education
series of 2017 with ordinances that programs contributed to accomplishing a
regulate the marketing or sale of set of PPAN targets, including the
foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium Integrated School Nutrition Model,
within the vicinity of schools. Expansion of Gulayan sa Paaralan
Program, and Water Sanitation and
Along with national legislation, Hygiene (WASH) in Schools. Along
House Bill 2792 was filed on the with nutrition in education, the provision
creation of a research center on and maintenance of school planting
obesity. materials and nationwide gardens
reported 17% of the targets.
Annual webinars on the celebration
of World Obesity Day every 4th of On the other hand, the Weekly Iron-
March was held starting 2021 Folic Acid Supplementation and Infant-
organized by the Ad Hoc group on Toddler Early Development Program
obesity. were partially completed due to the
limited workforce during the pandemic.
Nutrition-sensitive programs
The Department of Education (DepEd)
Aside from the nutrition-specific implemented the Adolescent
programs, several nutrition-sensitive Reproductive Health education and
programs were likewise implemented to promotion campaign for high school
address the underlying causes of the learners. Along with nutrition in trade
identified nutrition problems. Along with and industry, initiatives such as
nutrition in agriculture, the production Diskwento Caravan and tapping into
support subprogram under agricultural LGUs to establish food plants also reach
technology exceeded the targets set in PPAN targets.
PPAN 2017-2022 by services to LGUs
and individual beneficiaries. Various Along with social protection, programs
agencies reported a total of 35 research such as conditional cash transfer (CCT)
and development activities. The achieved 98% of the PPAN targets. The
extension support, education, and CCT program has helped reduce stunting
training services subprogram and the by providing cash transfers to families
agricultural machinery and facilities met with young children and using cash
their targets. In addition, around 11.4 transfers to purchase nutritious food. The
million farmers and fisherfolks benefited program also helped to increase access to
from the agricultural insurance health care for beneficiaries by requiring
subprogram. The improvement of them to send their children to regular
physical access to food for nutritionally health check-ups, which decreased child
vulnerable populations was also mortality rates and raised the number of
initiated, such as the Kadiwa ni Ani at fully immunized children. In addition,
Kita market system program and the the microenterprise development of the
Sustainable Livelihood Program by the

38
DSWD reached 99.8% of its targets. The Several dialogues with LCEs and
DSWD, Department of Agrarian Reform Punong Barangay and capacity building
(DAR), and Department of Agriculture along barangay leadership, maternal and
(DA) also implemented the Enhanced child nutrition, and navigating the
Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty referral system were initiated by NNC to
Program. establish linkages with policy actors
essential for nutrition action.
In general, the government's program on Specifically, the training on nutrition
nutrition improved due to increased leadership and governance and the ‘City
budgetary allocation for nutrition Nutrition Governance Program
interventions. The NNC also noted an Colloquium’ showcased best practices
improvement in the coordination among and lessons learned in nutrition
government, NGOs, and other duty- governance.
bearers in responding to the nutrition
challenges in the country. Challenges

LGU Mobilization strategy Despite these national efforts and gains,

significant challenges remain, such as
limited access to nutritious food, access
The PPAN 2017-2022 included as a key
to nutrition services, and insufficient
strategy the mobilization of LGUs and
knowledge and awareness about optimal
creating an enabling environment
nutrition practices. These challenges
through policy issuances to support LGU
have caused the non-achievement of
investments and implementing local
other PPAN outcome and sub-outcome
nutrition action plans.
indicators.
The NNC led capacity building
Perhaps the most challenging nutritional
initiatives at the regional level along
problem is reducing overweight and
formulation of local nutrition action
obesity. The continuous increase in
plans (LNAPs) and their integration into
prevalence across all age groups is
the local development plans. The activity
alarming. This can be the result of an
provided guidance on how nutrition
increasingly obesogenic environment
interventions can generate the needed
which promotes the consumption of
resources (financial and in kind) to be
energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods and
implemented.
beverages, or encourages reduced
physical activity or increased sedentary
The advocacy component of the activity
behavior (sitting down or lying down).
included local chief executives (LCEs)
Obesogenic environments include food
from outstanding LGUs as nutrition
environments (which foods and
champions to encourage other LCEs to
beverages are available, affordable,
prioritize nutrition and ensure funding
accessible, and promoted), economic
for nutrition interventions through the
environments (prices and costs of foods,
inclusion in the local development plan
and annual investment program.

39
household incomes and social support), (governance), no permanent nutrition
social environments (norms for eating, officer with the power or strong enough
taking exercise, screen watching, body to steer the nutrition committee and lead
shape), and physical environments nutrition programming, and nutrition
(opportunities for physical activity, committee not functioning/leading
available active transport). Of the five nutrition program. On provision, there
key policy areas to address obesity are too many programs with few human
among children, only one has been resources.
introduced which is the taxation on
sweetened beverages. The gaps include a The implementation of PPAN 2017-2022
national policy on obesity, controls on was interrupted by the COVID-19
marketing of food and beverages to pandemic, which significantly impacted
children, front-of-pack-nutrition nutrition, particularly among the most
labelling, and school nutrition vulnerable population. The pandemic
environments. While the First 1000 days disrupted the food supply chains and
strategy has been a main focus in the access to health and nutrition services,
PPAN, the enactment of RA 11148 caused localized shortages of food and
intends for the scale-up of interventions other goods, and reduced access to
along this period. nutritious food. With the widespread loss
of jobs and incomes, households
Despite efforts at coordinating national switched to cheaper and less nutritious
and local government efforts, the foods. The closure of schools initially
"Formative Evaluation of the PPAN suspended school feeding programs that
2017-2022" conducted in 2019 indicated provided millions of thin children
a disconnect between the national nationwide with meals. Later in the
strategic thrusts and planning of the pandemic, the mode of delivery in
PPAN and the prioritization and schools was changed from hot meals to
implementation of nutrition programs at food pack delivery to the home or picked
the LGU level. The disconnect was due up by the parents during the module
to weak nutrition program leadership in taking or submission. Although the
some areas due to the limited knowledge work-from-home scheme has improved
and insight into nutrition problems some nutrition indicators (i.e., IYCF
among LCEs. The delivery of basic practices), the movement restrictions to
nutrition services could have been more curb the spread of COVID-19 also
stable. LGUs relied on volunteers and limited physical activity for children and
the coordination of part-time nutrition the general population. Together with
action officers who managed multiple or cheaper or less nutritious food, these
several assignments and had no other could have contributed to the increase in
nutrition personnel or staff. the prevalence of overweight and
obesity.
Based on experience of various groups,
the lack of integration and collaboration An external review of the earlier PPANs,
of different agencies at the local level, based on international evaluation norms
lack of political will and leadership and standards, would have allowed the

40
NNC to draw lessons from the gains and development agenda and willing to
challenges in implementing, monitoring, invest in nutrition.
and coordinating the national nutrition
program that could be used in the The need for a multisectoral approach to
successor PPAN. Such an evaluation, address malnutrition cannot be over-
however, was not conducted. Likewise, emphasized. Nutrition action requires
the PPAN RF took longer to finish; bringing together government agencies,
hence assessment of the desired outputs non-government organizations, and other
from various agency commitments was stakeholders to work towards a common
missed. goal since malnutrition is a complex
problem that requires coordinated
This knowledge could have been used to solutions. Likewise, communication and
inform the development and advocacy in spreading the correct
implementation of the successor PPAN, message of good food, health, and
ensuring that the program builds upon nutrition to Filipinos is a considerable
successes and addresses previous challenge, given the proliferation and
shortcomings. Considering this, it is easy access to anecdotal and not
recommended that the NNC prioritizes evidence-based nutrition information.
the establishment of a robust evaluation Only a few Filipinos are aware of PPAN,
mechanism for the successor PPAN. and it will take effort and dedication to
This should include incorporating raise awareness of malnutrition and help
evaluation norms and standards to ensure build support for the plan.
comprehensive and objective
assessments. Furthermore, allocating Another critical lesson in implementing
sufficient resources and establishing the previous PPANs has been the
clear timelines for evaluation activities is importance of monitoring, evaluation,
crucial, including completing the results data, and evidence. The development of
framework. a results framework and the conduct of
program evaluation should have allowed
Lessons stakeholders to measure the achievement
of desired results across time; reflect on
Stakeholders have learned several the strengths and weaknesses of a
lessons in the last five years of program; draw out lessons and best
implementing the previous PPAN. First practices; and propose recommendations
is the importance of strong political will for evidence-based decisions and actions
and commitment. Since the PPAN is a in the future. Likewise, the challenge of
complex and ambitious plan, it requires capturing what LGUs have done in
strong political will at the national level implementing the PPAN should also be
and, more importantly, LGUs. There is a addressed.
pressing need for nutrition-literate
leaders capable and committed to Hence, the following strategic action
integrating nutrition into the overall points are recommended:

41
1. Sustaining the LGU mobilization 11. Developing social-emotional skills
strategy to address the disconnect enhancing health literacy, and
of the plan from national to local cultivating good health-seeking
levels behavior, e.g., personal hygiene,
2. Strengthening the structure of consumption of nutritious foods, etc.
coordination and implementation at 12. Strengthening of advocacy and
the national and local existing policies supporting the
3. Enhancing supply procurement, First 1000 days
logistics management, and 13. Strengthening collaboration with
documentation of supplies delivery nutritionists and nutrition experts
to target beneficiaries to raise interprofessional awareness
5. Standardizing and sustaining the on the relationship between diet,
capacity building for nutrition nutrition, and oral health
workers
6. Generating additional resources for The Cost of Inaction Analysis by
nutrition programs UNICEF in 2017 estimates that
7. Adopting the life stage approach to undernutrition costs the Philippine
ensure inclusivity economy US$ 4.4 billion or 1.5% of
8. Ensuring quality data management GDP annually. The country's economic
and monitoring mechanisms for the losses of undernutrition to learning and
impact of nutrition programs education, productivity, and economic
9. Improving the multi-sectoral development are staggering. Hence,
stakeholder convergence in the addressing malnutrition is a significant
design of both nutrition-specific public health and economic priority. By
and sensitive intervention improving nutrition, the Philippines can
10. Strengthening local food systems strengthen its people's nutrition, health,
to promote sustainable production and well-being and boost its economy. It
and consumption of local nutritious can also contribute to meeting the SDGs
and safe diets. and the global targets for maternal,
infant, and young child nutrition.

42
The PPAN 2023-2028 serves as a Natin 2040 and the PDP 2023-2028, by
strategic and directional framework to reducing malnutrition across all life
address all forms of malnutrition stages as its desired vision of change.
throughout the various stages of human The life stages are pregnant and lactating
life. It provides essential guidance for a women; the 0-23 months children, the 2-
wide range of stakeholders, including 5 years children; school-aged children
NGAs, NGOs, development partners, (5-10 years); adolescents (10-19 years);
academic institutions, private sectors, adults (20-59 years and elderly (60
and LGUs. years). The "life-stage approach”
considers variations in individuals'
Figure 9 presents the PPAN 2023-2028 nutritional and physiological needs at the
Strategic Framework. The Framework various stages of biological development
aims to achieve national development from conception to elderly.
goals, as embodied in the Ambisyon

Figure 9. Strategic Framework of PPAN 2023-2028.

43
The Desired Outcomes include access to and child nutrition, such as those
healthier diets, better practices (related to pertaining to food security, social
nutrition), and improved access to quality protection, adequate caregiving resources,
access to health services, and a safe and
services. The Framework recognizes
hygienic environment, and incorporate
malnutrition as a complex and multi- specific nutrition goals and action
dimensional problem requiring an (Section 6). According to Lancet (2013),
enabling environment with nutrition-specific interventions include
comprehensive and coordinated the following:
interventions.
• adolescent, preconception, and
maternal health and nutrition
The desired outcomes address the
• maternal dietary or micronutrient
immediate causes of malnutrition, a supplementation
mismatch between diet and nutritional • promotion of optimum
needs; behaviors and practices not breastfeeding
conducive to good nutrition; and • complementary feeding and
inadequate or poor quality of nutrition responsive feeding practices and
services, health, sanitation, education, and stimulation
social protection for individuals, • dietary supplementation
households, and communities. • diversification and micronutrient
supplementation or fortification
for children
To achieve the desired outcomes, three • treatment of severe acute
key strategies will be used to address malnutrition; disease prevention
both immediate and underlying causes of and management
malnutrition. The strategies include 1) • nutrition in emergencies
increasing accessibility and availability
of nutritious foods as the main barriers to Examples of nutrition-sensitive
interventions and programs are:
achieving adequate diets, 2) SBCC to
empower individuals and communities to • agriculture and food security
adopt nutrition practices, 3) delivery of • social safety nets
comprehensive and integrated nutrition- • early child development
specific and nutrition-sensitive services • maternal mental health
to individuals, families, and communities • women’s empowerment
at scale. Working with health, education, • child protection
social protection, and WASH systems. • schooling/education
• WASH
Based on the framework of Lancet • health and family planning
(2013), and as officially adopted in RA services.
11148, nutrition-specific interventions
and programs refer to those that address To implement these strategies, enabling
immediate determinants of maternal, factors must be in place at local and
fetal, infant, and child nutrition and national levels, namely: reliable
development, while nutrition-sensitive information as well as monitoring and
interventions address underlying evaluation systems; adequate human
determinants of maternal, fetal, infant, resources with required competencies;

44
timely financial support; and a system for the Philippines and the intended results
sustaining the nutrition of affected for each of the groups of the population
populations in the event of emergencies. based on life stage, namely, pregnant,
Theory of Change
lactating, and women of reproductive
The PPAN 2023-2028 is guided by a age; 0-23 months children; children
TOC collectively developed by nutrition under 5 years old; school-age children;
duty-bearers and stakeholders led by the adolescents; adults; and older adults.
NNC. The TOC is grounded on the
situation analysis of nutrition in the The figure below (Figure 10) summarizes
Philippines and the causality analysis of the TOC, and the outputs (or
the factors that drive malnutrition. The “preconditions”) according to the four
PPAN, in its entirety, is a TOC. outcome results areas. These outputs
The TOC articulates the overarching apply to the six population age groups
desired vision of change on nutrition in targeted by the PPAN 2023-2028.

45
 PDPs Desired Vision of Change: Economic and Social Transformation for a Prosperous, Inclusive,
and Resilient Society

PPANs Desired Vision of Change: Decrease in all forms of malnutrition across the
age groups by 2028

Healthier Diets: Better Nutrition Improved Access to Enabling Environment

Filipinos consume and Practices: Quality Services: Filipinos enjoy their right
demand adequate, age- Filipinos adopt behavior Filipinos benefit from to adequate food and
appropriate, nutrient- and practices that well-coordinated, nutrition due to good
dense, diverse, contribute to optimal inclusive, and integrated governance and enabling
affordable, safe, nutrition health and well- quality nutrition and policy environment.
sustainable diets. being. related services.

1. Improved affordability 1. Pregnant and lactating 1. All pregnant and 1. Integrated data
by increasing the food women consume lactating women, collection and
supply. diversified and nutrient- particularly in GIDA, management system for
2. Improved affordability rich diets and have receive integrated and health, food security,
by more efficient food increased utilization of quality nutrition, nutrition, and social
distribution maternal and child health and maternal and protection established
3. Increasing availability and nutrition services. reproductive health and used for decision-
of nutrient-dense and 2. Parents and caregivers of services. making processes.
fortified foods children 0-23 2. All children 0- 2 years 2. Food and nutrition
4. Increased availability of months demonstrate breas are regularly tracked, security policies and
food from household, tfeeding, monitored, and receive programs are effectively
school, and community complementary feeding, an integrated package monitored, and regular
sources WASH and care practices of nutrition services in impact assessments
5. Transforming market that promote optimal communities and at conducted.
choices towards growth and development. health facilities. 3. Governance structures
nutritious diets 3. Parents and caregivers of 3. All children 3-5 years for coordination and
6. Improved access to children 3-5 years old receive early learning, implementation of
diverse and nutritious demonstrate responsive health, nutrition, WASH, multisectoral nutrition
foods for the most caregiving nutrition and protection interventions and
vulnerable groups practices and always services, especially those programs are established
provide safe, nutritious living in GIDA. and made functional.
diets. 4. All children 5-10 years 4. Adequate number of
4. Children 5-10 years benefit from personnel delivering
consume healthy diets, strengthened nutrition integrated multisectoral
are physically active, and and food environments, nutrition interventions
have optimal and WASH services in capacitated and
WASH practices. schools and incentivized
5. All adolescents demand, communities. 5. Adequate financing of
consume healthy diets, 5. All adolescents have multi-sectoral nutrition
and adopt healthy access to healthy food programs
lifestyle, environments, nutrition, 6. Populations affected by
including physical WASH, and mental emergencies continue
activities. health services and to access safe and
6. Adults and the elderly psychosocial support. nutritious food, nutrition,
consume healthy diets, 6. More adults and elderly health, ECCD, social
are engaged in physical have access to healthy protection and
activity, and adopt food environments and WASH services.
healthy lifestyles. diets, and facilities for
physical activity.

Figure 10. Theory of Change for the PPAN 2023-2028.

46
Desired Outcome Results conceptual framework of malnutrition and
recognizing the triple burden of
To achieve the PPAN’s Desired Vision of malnutrition in the Philippines (UNICEF,
Change by 2028, some systematic pre- 2021). They include ensuring access to
conditions must be performed at both the nutritious food and good diets, practices,
outcome and output levels. Table 4 reflect and behaviors, access to multi-sectoral
these preconditions at the outcome level. nutrition services, and an enabling
The results areas are guided by the environment.

Table 4: Outcome Result Areas and Statements

Outcome Result Areas Outcome Result Statements

1: Healthier Diets Filipinos consume and demand adequate, age-appropriate,
nutrient-dense, diverse, affordable, safe, sustainable diets.
2: Better Nutrition Filipinos adopt behavior and practices that contribute to optimal
Practices nutrition health and well-being.
3: Improved Access to Filipinos benefit from well-coordinated, inclusive, and
Quality Services integrated quality nutrition and related services.
4: Enabling Environment Filipinos enjoy their right to adequate food and nutrition due to
good governance and enabling policy environment.

Desired Output Results safe, and sustainable nutritious food and

diets. The output results address food
Distinct pre-conditions at the output level supply issues, including high food prices.
are enumerated under each of the above Food distribution and access through
outcome result areas. production at homes in communities and
schools. Markets promoting and improving
Healthier Diets access to nutritious and healthier options.
The outputs also address improving access
The identified output results aim to ensure to nutritious food and healthy diets for
that every Filipino has access to sufficient, vulnerable and poor households.

47
Table 5: Output Results Statements under Healthier Diets

Outcome Result Statement 1: Healthier Diets – Filipinos consume and demand adequate,
age-appropriate, nutrient-dense, diverse, affordable, safe, sustainable diets.

1. Improved affordability by increasing the food supply

2. Improved affordability by more efficient food distribution
3. Increasing availability of nutrient-dense and fortified foods
4. Increased availability of food from household, school, and community sources
5. Transforming market choices towards nutritious diets
6. Improved access to diverse and nutritious foods for the most vulnerable groups

Better Nutrition Practices practices and behaviors, including age-

appropriate feeding, dietary practices,
The output results aim to support Filipinos nurturing care, optimal hygiene, and
and their families to adopt good care health-seeking behaviors.

Table 6: Output Results Statements under Better Nutrition Practices

Outcome Result Statement 2: Better Nutrition Practices - Filipinos adopt behavior and
practices that contribute to optimal nutrition, health and well-being

1. Pregnant and lactating women consume diversified and nutrient-rich diets and have
increased utilization of maternal and child health and nutrition services.
2. Parents and caregivers of children 0-23 months demonstrate breastfeeding,
complementary feeding, WASH and care practices that promote optimal growth and
development.
3. Parents and caregivers of children 3-5 years old demonstrate responsive caregiving
nutrition practices and always provide safe, nutritious diets.
4. Children 5-10 years consume healthy diets, are physically active, and have optimal
WASH practices.
5. All adolescents demand, consume healthy diets, and adopt healthy lifestyle, including
physical activities.
6. Adults and the elderly consume healthy diets, are engaged in physical activity and
adopt healthy lifestyles.

48
Improved Access to Quality Services nutrition services including nutrition,
health, education, sanitation, and social
The output results facilitate that all Filipinos protection.
have access to adequate multisectoral

Table 7: Output Results Statements under Improved Access to Quality Services

Outcome Result Statement 3: Improved Access to Quality Services - Filipinos benefit

from well-coordinated, inclusive, and integrated quality nutrition and related services.

1. All pregnant and lactating women, particularly in GIDA, receive integrated and
quality nutrition, and maternal and reproductive health services.
2. All children 0- 2 years are regularly tracked, monitored, and receive an integrated
package of nutrition services in communities and at health facilities
3. All children 3-5 years receive early learning, health, nutrition, WASH, and
protection services, especially those living in GIDA.
4. All children 5-10 years benefit from strengthened nutrition and food
environments, and WASH services in schools and communities.
5. All adolescents have access to healthy food environments, nutrition, WASH, and
mental health services and psychosocial support.
6. More adults and elderly have access to healthy food environments and diets, and
facilities for physical

Enabling environment nutrition interventions. The first two relate

to information and monitoring and
The last set of Output results correspond to evaluation (M&E); the third to governance;
the Enabling environment that underlies the fourth to capacity building; and the
measures to ensure food security, social fifth to nutrition in emergencies.
and behavioral change, and multisectoral

49
Table 8: Output Results Statements under Enabling Environment

Outcome Result Statement 4: Enabling Environment - Filipinos enjoy their right to

adequate food and nutrition due to good governance and enabling policy environment.

1. Integrated data collection and management system for health, food security,
nutrition, and social protection established and used for decision-making
processes.
2. Food and nutrition security policies and programs are effectively monitored, and
regular impact assessments conducted
3. Governance structures for coordination and implementation of multisectoral
nutrition interventions and programs are established and made functional
4. Adequate number of personnel delivering integrated multisectoral nutrition
interventions capacitated and incentivized
5. Adequate financing of multi-sectoral nutrition programs
6. Populations affected by emergencies continue to access safe and nutritious food,
nutrition, health, ECCD, social protection and WASH services

PPAN Results Framework

To monitor the progress of the plan 2. Decrease the prevalence
towards achieving the PPAN’s vision of of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD)
change and as guided by the TOC among pregnant women by 0.27
workshop, a set of nutrition and food per year, from 2.8% in 2019 to
security-related indicators, along with 0.53% in 2028.
corresponding annual outcome targets, 3. Decrease the prevalence of VAD
have been identified for each life stage among lactating women by 0.19
(Annex 3). These indicators serve as per year, from 2.8% in 2019 to
benchmarks to track progress and assess 0.38% in 2028.
the plan's effectiveness. 4. Increase the median urinary iodine
concentration (UIC) among
Pregnant and Lactating Women: The plan pregnant women, from 122
targets reducing the prevalence of NAR
μg/l (2018-2019) to 150-249 µg/l
pregnant women, prevalence of anemia, (adequate iodine nutrition) by
and iodine deficiency as measured by 2023-2028.
increase in median UIC.
5. Increase the median UIC among
lactating women, from 99
1. Reduce the prevalence of
μg/l (2018-2019) to 100-199 µg/l
nutritionally at-risk pregnant
(adequate iodine nutrition) by
women by 3.5% per year, from
2023-2028.
16.4 % (2021-2022) to 13.2% in
2028.

50
 6. Reduce the prevalence of year based on the performance of
anemia among pregnant women, other countries.
from 23.0 % (2018-2019) by 3.2
reduction per year, based on past Infants and Young Children (0-23
trend and to achieve a mild public months): The PPAN seeks to increase the
health problem by 2025 and percentage of EBF infants under 6 months,
continued reduction until 2028. children aged 6-23 months with a MAD,
and children aged 6-23 months with a
WRA: The plan targets reducing anemia Minimum Diet Diversity MDD, ensuring
and to promote overall health of women in optimal nutrition during early childhood.
this age group.
1. Reduce the prevalence (%) of low
1. Reduce the prevalence of birth weight (LBW) infants by 30%
anemia among women of from the 2017 levels of 14.5% to
reproductive age (WRA) by 50% in 10.2% in 2025, based on WHA
2025 World Health Assembly targets, and continued reduction to
(WHA) target, from the 2013 level 8.6% until 2028.
(12.5%). 2. Increase the percentage of
exclusively breastfed (EBF) infants
Children Under-5 years old: The plan at 6 months from 32.1% (2021-
aims to reduce the prevalence of low birth 2022) to 50% by 2028.
weight, stunting, wasting, overweight, and 3. Increase the prevalence of children
VAD in young children. 6-23 months old with Minimum
Acceptable Diet (MAD) from
1. Reduce the magnitude of 13.3% (2021-2022) to at least 25%
stunted children under five years by 2028.
old, by 50% in 2030 (2,008,260) 4. Increase the prevalence of children
from the 2013 levels (4,016,520 or 6-23 months old with Minimum
30.3%) based on the Diet Diversity (MDD), from 13.8%
WHO/UNICEF discussion paper: (2021-2022) to at least 50% by
The Extension of the 2025
2028.
Maternal, Infant and Young Child
5. Decrease the prevalence of VAD
Nutrition Targets.
children 6 months to 5 years old,
2. Reduce the prevalence of wasted from 15.5 % (2018-2019) to <10%
children under five years old, from (mild public health significance) by
5.5% (2021-2022) to <5% by 2025 2028.
(low public health significance)
based on WHA targets.
School-Age Children: The plan targets a
3. Reduce the prevalence of
reduction in wasting, overweight/obesity,
overweight and obesity among and the prevalence of children aged 6-12
children under-five years old from years old with urinary iodine levels below
3.9% (2021-2022) by 1.9% per

51
50 μg/L. Additionally, it aims to improve target of halting increase from
the median UIC in school-age children. 2010 levels in 2025.
3. Reduce the prevalence of
1. Reduce the prevalence of wasted overweight and obesity among
children 5-10 years old, from 6.9% adults, from 38.6% (2021) by 3.4
(2021-2022) to <5% by 2025 (low point reduction per year, to achieve
public health significance) based a WHA in 2013 voluntary target of
on WHA targets. halting increase from 2010 levels
2. Retain the UIC among children 6- in 2025.
12 years old within 100-199 µg/l 4. Reduce the prevalence of chronic
(adequate iodine nutrition). energy-deficient older adults, 60
3. Reduce the proportion of children y/o and over, from 11.8% (2021)
6-12 years old with urinary by 5% rate decrease per year.
iodine levels below 50 μg/l, from
12.4% (2018-2019) to less than 5% Households: The PPAN aims to increase
by 2028. the percentage of households using
4. Reduce the prevalence of adequately iodized salt, ensuring sufficient
overweight and obesity among iodine intake. It also aims to promote
children 5-10 years old, from 14% households that meet 100% of the
(2021-2022) by 2.2 point reduction recommended energy intake. Furthermore,
per year, to achieve a WHA 2013 the plan will monitor the decrease in
voluntary target of halting increase moderate to severe food insecurity in the
from 2010 levels in 2025. population, addressing broader food
security goals.
Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adults:
The key objectives for this group include 1. Increase the prevalence of
reducing overweight and obesity among households meeting 100%
adolescents and adults and reducing CED recommended energy intake by
among older adults. 50% from 21.8% (2018-19) to
32.6% (2028).
1. Reduce the prevalence of 2. Reduce the prevalence of
overweight and obesity among moderately and severe food
adolescents, from 13% (2021- insecure households, from 33.4 %
2022) by 2.133 point reduction per (2021-2022) by 5.1% per year.
year, to achieve a WHA 2013 3. Increase the percentage of
voluntary target of halting increase households using adequately
from 2010 levels in 2025. iodized salt, from 33.2% in 2021 to
2. Reduce the prevalence of >90% by 2028, to achieve
overweight and obesity among Universal Salt Iodization.
adults, from 40.2% (2021-2022) by
3.4 point reduction per year, to
achieve a WHA 2013 voluntary

52
The RFs are guided by the conceptual e. dietary supplementation
framework of malnutrition and f. diversification and micronutrient
recognizing the triple burden of supplementation or fortification for
malnutrition in the Philippines (UNICEF, children
2021). See Annex 3 for the PPAN RFs. g. treatment of severe acute
Each RFs has corresponding interventions malnutrition; disease prevention and
that should be implemented by responsible management
agencies. These are further classified into h. nutrition in emergencies
nutrition-specific, nutrition-sensitive, and
enabling mechanisms. NUTRITION-SENSITIVE
INTERVENTIONS
NUTRITION-SPECIFIC
INTERVENTIONS On the other hand, nutrition-sensitive
interventions address underlying
Based on the framework of The 2013 determinants of maternal, fetal, infant, and
Lancet Series on Maternal and Child child nutrition, such as those related to
Nutrition, and as adopted in RA 11148, food security, social protection, adequate
nutrition-specific interventions refer to caregiving resources, access to health
those that address the immediate services, and a safe and hygienic
determinants of maternal, fetal, infant, and environment.
child nutrition and development.
Examples of this are: a. agriculture and food security
b. social safety nets
a. adolescent, preconception, and c. early child development
maternal health and nutrition d. maternal mental health
b. maternal dietary or micronutrient e. women’s empowerment
supplementation f. child protection
c. promotion of optimum g. schooling/education
breastfeeding h. WASH
d. complementary feeding and i. health and family planning services.
responsive feeding practices and
stimulation

53
Table 9. PPAN 2023-2028 outcome targets.
Baseline Target Prevalence (%) Target Magnitude in Thousands (‘000)*
Indicator Basis of Targets
(%)
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Pregnant, Lactating, and Women of Reproductive Age
Nutritionally
16.4
at-risk (NAR) Reduce by 3.5% per
(2021, 15.8 15.3 14.7 14.2 13.7 13.2 367 360 350 342 334 326
pregnant year
ENNS)
women
3.2% rate of
23.0 reduction per year
Anemia among
(2018- based on past trend
pregnant 20.2 19.5 18.9 18.3 17.7 17.2 469 459 450 441 432 425
2019, and mild public
women
ENNS) health problem by
2025
Reduce 2013 levels
by 50% by 2025
Anemia among 10.7 (WHA target),
women of (2018- reduce further to
7.7 7.0 6.2 5.5 4.8 4.0 4,522 4,160 3,730 3,348 2,958 2,495
reproductive 2019, <5% by 2028 (no
age ENNS) public health
problem)

Increase the median

Median UIC (in 122 μg/L UIC to 150-249 µg/l
150- 150- 150- 150- 150- 150-
μg/L) of (2018- (adequate iodine
249 249 249 249 249 249 Not applicable
pregnant 2019, nutrition) by 2023-
µg/l µg/l µg/l µg/l µg/l μg/L
women ENNS) 2028

54
 Baseline Target Prevalence (%) Target Magnitude in Thousands (‘000)*
Indicator Basis of Targets
(%)
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Increase the median
UIC to 100-199 µg/l
(adequate iodine
Median UIC (in 99 μg/L
100- 100- 100- 100- 100- 100- nutrition) by 2023-
μg/L) of (2018-
199 199 199 199 199 199 Not applicable 2028
lactating 2019,
µg/l µg/l µg/l µg/l µg/l μg/L
women ENNS)

Children under 5 years old

30% reduction by
Low birth 14.5
2025 from 2017
weight (LBW) (2017, 11.3 10.7 10.2 9.7 9.1 8.6 158 152 146 141 134 128
levels (14.5%) based
infants NDHS)
on WHA targets
Reduce by 50% the
number of stunted
children under 5 y/o
by 2030 (from 2013
level of 30.3%)
equivalent to 15%
Stunted 26.7 prevalence by 2030
children under (2021, 25.2 23.8 22.3 20.8 19.4 17.9 2,892 2,765 2,622 2,475 2,336 2,182 (based on the
5 y/o ENNS) WHO/UNICEF
Discussion paper:
The extension of the
2025 Maternal,
Infant and Young
Child nutrition
targets to 2030)

55
 Baseline Target Prevalence (%) Target Magnitude in Thousands (‘000)*
Indicator Basis of Targets
(%)
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Reduce to <5%
Wasted 5.5
prevalence by 2025
children under (2021, 5.3 5.1 4.9 4.7 4.5 4.3 608 592 576 559 542 524
(low public health
5 y/o ENNS)
significance)
Reduce by 1.9% per
Overweight 3.9
year based on the
children under (2021, 3.8 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.5 3.5 436 441 435 428 421 427
performance of other
5 y/o ENNS)
countries
Reduce to <10%
(mild public health
Vitamin A- 15.5 significance) by
deficient (2018- 2028
13.0 12.4 11.8 11.1 10.5 9.9 1,326 1,281 1,233 1,174 1,124 1,073
children 6 2019,
months to 5 y/o ENNS)

Sub-group on infants and young children

Increase by 5.8% per
Exclusively year based from
60.1
breastfed performance of other
(2021, 63.6 67.3 71.2 75.3 79.7 84.3 810 867 929 994 1065 1140
infants less countries
ENNS)
than 6 months (EBF among 0-5
mos)
Children 6-23
months with 13.3
Reach at least 25%
Minimum (2021, 15.3 17.2 19.2 21.1 23.1 25.0 493 561 634 705 781 855
by 2028
Acceptable ENNS)
Diet (MAD)

56
 Baseline Target Prevalence (%) Target Magnitude in Thousands (‘000)*
Indicator Basis of Targets
(%)
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Children 6-23
months with
13.8
Minimum Diet
(2021, 26.5 39.2 51.9 64.6 77.3 90.0 854 1,278 1,713 2,158 2,613 3,080 Reach 90% by 2028
Diversity
ENNS)
(MDD)

School-age children
Reduce to <5%
Wasted 6.9 prevalence by 2025
children 5-10 (2021, 6.2 5.6 4.9 4.2 3.6 2.9 724 662 587 509 441 360 (low public health
years old ENNS) significance)

WHA in 2013
identified a
voluntary target on
obesity to halt the
Overweight 14.0
increase from 2010
/obese children (2021, 11.8 9.5 7.3 5.1 2.8 0.6 1,379 1,124 874 618 343 74
levels (2011 level at
5-10 years old ENNS)
7.4%) in 2025,
including
adolescents and
adults.

Children 6-12
12.4
years old with
(2018- Reduce to less than
urinary iodine 9.1 8.2 7.4 6.6 5.7 4.9 1,496 1,365 1,246 1,125 983 856
2019, 5% by 2028
levels below 50
ENNS)
μg/L

57
 Baseline Target Prevalence (%) Target Magnitude in Thousands (‘000)*
Indicator Basis of Targets
(%)
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

Retain the median UIC

174 μg/L
Median UIC (in 174- 174- 174- 174- 174- 174- within 100-199 µg/l
(2018-
μg/L) of children 199 199 199 199 199 199 Not applicable (adequate iodine
2019,
6-12 years old μg/L μg/L μg/L μg/L μg/L μg/L nutrition) by 2023-
ENNS)
2028

Adolescents
WHA in 2013
identified a voluntary
target on obesity to
Overweight/ 13.0 halt the increase from
obese (2021, 10.9 8.7 6.6 4.5 2.3 0.2 2,195 1,773 1,361 940 486 43 2010 levels (2011 level
adolescents ENNS) at 6.7%) in 2025,
including adolescents
and adults.

Adults and older adults

WHA in 2013
identified a voluntary
target on obesity to
38.6
Overweight/obese halt the increase from
(2021, 35.2 31.8 28.4 25.0 21.6 18.2 21,177 19,363 17,502 15,593 13,636 11,629
adults 2010 levels (2011 level
ENNS)
at 28.4%) in 2025,
including adolescents
and adults.

Chronic energy-
deficient older 11.8 Reduce by 5.0% per
adults, 60 years (2021, 11.2 10.6 10.1 9.6 9.1 8.7 1,073 1,028 991 954 915 885 year (close to the past
old and over ENNS) trend)

58
 Baseline Target Prevalence (%) Target Magnitude in Thousands (‘000)*
Indicator Basis of Targets
(%)
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Households
Achieve Universal Salt
Iodization:
>90% households
Households 33.2 using
using adequately (2021, 42.8 52.5 62.1 71.7 81.4 91.0 11,800 14,650 17,539 20,495 23,550 26,647 adequately
iodized salt ENNS) iodized salt, i.e.,
salt with iodine
content of
≥15ppm
Households 21.8
meeting 100% (2018- Increase 2018-2019
26.6 27.8 29.0 30.2 31.4 32.6 7,334 7,758 8,191 8,633 9,084 9,546
recommended 2019, level by 50% by 2028
energy intake ENNS)
Moderate to
33.4
severe food 5.1% rate decrease per
(2021, 31.7 30.1 28.5 27.1 25.7 24.4 8,740 8,400 8,049 7,747 7,435 7,145
insecurity in the year (based on trend)
ENNS)
population
*Magnitude was computed based on projected population for each respective year through the Geometric Method of Projection (Saniel, 2002) using 1.21% average annual growth rate
(PSA, 2016) and 2020 population census (PSA, 2021). Age-specific population was computed based on 2020 Census percent share to total population (PSA, 2021) and NNC Memo No.
2019-003. Average household size is 4.1 based on the 2020 Census (PSA, 2021).

59
Management and Operationalization of committees mirror the national body and
the PPAN create teamwork groups and ad hoc
committees. Sub-national LNCs are
The NNC GB provides leadership and established in different LGUs and
coordination and overall management for formulate LNAPs aligned with regional
nutrition planning, monitoring, and and national plans. Collaborative
evaluation at the national level. The NNC partnerships and convergence approaches
Secretariat, as the executive arm of the are emphasized at all levels to minimize
Council, advises the Board and manages duplicity and maximize the effectiveness
programs, led by an Executive Director, of interventions. PPAN 2023-2028
and supported by technical and staff recognizes the roles of different
divisions. The NNC TechCom is stakeholders (Annex 1) and seeks to foster
composed of department heads and civil shared responsibility for addressing
society members, while regional nutrition malnutrition (Figure 11).
of the NNC as reflected in PD 491,
The PPAN 2023-2028 follows the Sections 2 and 3. Indeed as reflected in the
structure established in previous PPAN guiding principles of the PPAN 2023-2028
implementation, following the with all levels of government role as a
coordinative mechanisms at the duty bearer. Such emphasizes the
intergovernmental level - i.e., national to dynamism envisioned in securing nutrition
sub national levels; and horizontal outcomes enabled by a multi-sectoral,
coordinative mechanisms where units at whole of government, whole of society
the same level coordinates with each other approach. Indeed, every Filipino,
i.e. intragovernmental level. The principle individual and organizational, CSOs, and
resonates with the design of the Local development partners included, has a
Government Code especially in the light of distinct role to play in attaining the
the Mandanas-Garcia ruling and as called nutritional outcomes enunciated in this
for under EO 183 signed on 1 June 2021. document.
It also reaffirms the mandate and function

60
Legend: —— Administrative Supervision - - - - Technical Coordination

Figure 11. PPAN Structure for Coordination

61
National level coordination to advise the NNC GB on policy and
At the national level, the NNC GB, shall program matters, serve as the coordinative
provide overall leadership in plan mechanism for program management and
formulation, monitoring and evaluation resource programming, monitor nutrition
and coordination. The NNC GB is situation of the country, and assess and
composed of the following: Secretary of evaluate PPAN.
DOH as the Chair; Secretary of DA as the
Vice-Chair; Secretary of DILG as Co-Vice The NNC Technical Committee is
Chair; and the Secretaries of several composed of the heads of the major
departments as members including DBM, department bureaus and agencies involved
DepEd, DOLE, DOST, DSWD, DTI, in nutrition actions as well as various
NEDA, and three private sector members of CSOs that provide technical
representatives are on board as appointed assistance to the Board and Secretariat.
by the President of the Philippines for a Various ad hoc groups as well as networks
two-year term. of CSOs are also formed as needed.
Especially playing a key role in PPAN
During the devolution transition period 2023-2028 is the SUN Network (academe,
which ends in 2024, the implementation business, CSOs, development partners,
functions of NNC shall continue as youth), affirming the multi-partnership
reflected in EO 616, s 2007, RA 8976, s platforms for engagement and investment
2000 and RA 8172, s 1995. After which, among others. Beyond the TechCom,
all implementation functions shall be the Interagency Working Groups (IAWGs)
responsibility of the various sub-national may be created as well from time to time
governments and NNC may provide as the need arises especially with concerns
technical assistance and resource on emerging infectious diseases and
augmentation as needed by the various program concerns on attaining goals of
levels of LGUs. zero hunger. The NNC Secretariat, as part
of its management function of the Council,
Assisting the policy making body, the facilitates the exercises of the Council’s
NNC Secretariat shall continue to serve as Oversight Functions through the various
the executive arm of the NNC GB. An IAWGs and the TechCom as venues for
Executive Director shall provide the participation, vetting prior to the decision
leadership function, assisted by two (2) on policies, programs by the Council.
deputy executive directors. Three technical
divisions on nutrition policy and planning; Regional level coordination
nutrition surveillance and nutrition The RNC serves as a mirror organization
information and education; complemented of the national level body which implies
by two staff divisions of administrative that the multi-sectoral, whole of
and finance; as well as the Regional government, whole of society approach is
Nutrition Offices headed by the RNPCs likewise replicated at this level. The RNC
completes the offices of the Secretariat. may be created as the need arises various
The NNC Secretariat’s coordinative role TWGs and ad hoc groups. The NNC
becomes even more crucial as it is tasked

62
regional office serves as the secretariat of and local levels, and following the
the RNC. Again, similarly, SUN networks Mandanas-Garcia ruling, it is expected that
are in place that may provide assistance the implementation of previous nutrition
and support to regional government interventions is now borne solely by the
agencies in nutrition action. It is sub national levels as they are the first
emphasized that in the institutional point of contact of the rights bearers.
strengthening and nutrition governance PPAN 2023-2028 likewise recognizes the
function, the various actors at the different various roles of the BNS in implementing
levels must ensure collaborative the various PPAs that would be
partnerships, convergence approach to implemented at their levels.
ensure focal and directed interventions so
that duplicity of activities and engagement These various LNCs are expected to
of communities are minimized or avoided formulate the LNAPs, again aligned with
as much as possible. The major role of the Regional PPAN concerns and given the
regional level nutrition actors is to support differentiated and diverse nutrition
subnational LGUs in their policy making situation mindful of political, economic,
processes, preparation of guidelines on cultural, and social dimensions in various
actions towards nutrition interventions, LGUs, LNAPs are needed for local level
supervision, monitoring and evaluation action.
and capacity building. Similarly, the RNCs
are expected to craft their respective Thus, in general, the organization and
RPAN is aligned with the national PPAN. management of the various nutritional
governance structures emphasizes the
Sub-national level coordination whole-of-government, whole-of-society
The LNCs are established in the various approach with collaborative partnership
subnational LGUs (i.e., Provincial, and convergence dimensions as key
City/Municipality and Barangay), the principles to enable a more robust
composition of which again mimics the implementation structure of PPAN 2023-
interagency representation given that all 2028. On one hand, the duty bearers, i.e.,
functionaries of government are duty government actors, together with CSOs
bearers. The various local chief executives and other development partners, and on the
(LCEs) are designated ex-officio chairs other hand, the rights bearers, i.e., the
who provide leadership direction in citizens themselves need to enjoin each
planning, implementation and monitoring other in the shared responsibility of
and evaluation of local level nutrition ensuring the implementation of nutrition
action plans. Whenever various activities, projects, programs, and policies
subnational LNCs can establish and make redound to unshackling the decades old
functional different TWGs and ad hoc problems of malnutrition. By and large,
committees, the RNPCs should provide the PPAN 2023-2028 recognizes the roles of
technical assistance and resource various stakeholders and moves towards a
augmentation function. Given the common good of ensuring nutrition
devolution transition plans of both national outcomes are reached.

63
Figure 12. PPAN Implementation Structure

64
Multi-Sectoral Coordination programs, projects, activities as laid out in
The NNC and its Secretariat is a multi- the PPAN as well as strategies to achieve
sectoral body and as such the coordinative the outcome targets.
function of the Council and the Secretariat
is even further mirrored in both national The SUN Movement is expected to utilize
and sub-national levels. The NNC the network to complement the
Secretariat, guided primarily by the achievement of the PPAN targets through
mandate of coordinating national policies, various initiatives that can be undertaken
programs and projects on by all network members and based on their
nutrition likewise orchestrates, mobilizes, respective areas of operations, expertise,
and establishes partnerships with multi- and financial capabilities.
sectoral groups outside of the current
membership of the Council. Nutrition in Emergencies (NiE)
NiE is one of the nutrition specific
Since joining the SUN Movement in 2013, interventions recommended under the
the NNC Secretariat, provides coordinative PPAN and ensures effective nutrition
and secretariat support to the SUN response and management during
Movement in the Philippines composed emergencies and disasters to prevent the
mainly of academe, business, civil society worsening of malnutrition.
and development partners from UN
agencies, donors and international The designated Chair of the National
organizations. Guided by its Principles of Nutrition Cluster per DOH Department
Engagement, for all of its actors and Personnel Order 2007-2492-A is the
stakeholders, managing and mitigating NNC. The Nutrition Cluster is one of the
conflict of interests, and ensuring sub-clusters of the Health Cluster.
transparency of their actions, and
effectively working together towards As per NNC GB Resolution No. 1, Series
addressing the problems of malnutrition. 2009 on the National Policy of Nutrition
The same network is now reflected in Management in Emergencies and
practically all regions of the country. Only Disasters, the local nutrition committee
recently, the NNC also initiated the setting functions as the local nutrition cluster in
up of a core group for the SUN Movement the context of emergencies and
Youth Network in partnership with the disasters. Thus, the cluster is composed of
National Youth Commission (NYC). representatives from local offices and
NGOs in the area.
The SUN Movement in the Philippines as
spearheaded by the NNC Secretariat as a In general, the local nutrition cluster shall
multi-sectoral platform aligns itself with ensure that its efforts and initiatives are
the PPAN as it mobilizes the widest linked with those of the other local
possible number of stakeholders from the clusters.
various networks mentioned above.
Concretely, this alignment focuses on

65
M&E of PPAN is essential to ensure the highlight the achievements, challenges,
effective implementation of the plan and lessons learned, and recommended
its intended outputs and outcomes. strategies for improvement. Examples of
Continuous monitoring and evaluation of existing reports include the national
PPAN strengthens accountability, nutrition survey, national demographic and
identifies gaps in implementation, guides health survey (NDHS), Field Health
decision-making on resource allocation, Services Information System (FHSIS),
and improves the plan's overall Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level
effectiveness. The PPAN RF will be the Plan Implementation (MELLPI) Pro,
cornerstone of developing a monitoring NNIS, OPT Plus, and special study.
and evaluation plan. The M&E plan will
include finalizing the list of indicators per Hence, involving stakeholders, including
output statements, the establishment of NGAs, NGOs, the private sector, LGUs,
baseline and targets to be used in tracking and community groups, is critical in the
the outputs, tracking of indicators, the monitoring and evaluation activities. Their
source of data, frequency of data participation helps ensure a more
collection, the responsibilities of the M&E comprehensive monitoring and evaluation
team, and the cost needed to finance of the plan's implementation. Partnering
monitoring and evaluation activities. with academic and research institutions,
such as DOST-FNRI and DA Bureau of
While several indicators in the PPAN RF Agricultural Research can assist the NNC
have baseline data, some indicators need GB with monitoring and evaluating PPAN.
baseline data. These should be specified in Their expertise can enhance the quality
the monitoring and evaluation plan of and objectivity of the PPAN monitoring
PPAN. Baseline data provides a and evaluation activities.
benchmark from which progress in outputs
and outcomes and reducing malnutrition Reports of monitoring and evaluation
can be measured. As specified in the activities, including data analysis,
PPAN RF, there will be mid- and end-term findings, and recommendations for
assessments. These periodic assessments improvement, should be presented
and reporting should be planned. periodically according to the M&E plan.
Likewise, regular reports should be Reviewing the PPAN based on the results,
prepared on the progress of the taking corrective measures, and updating
implementation of PPAN based on the the targets will help achieve the intended
expected outputs. These reports should PPAN outputs and outcomes.

66
This chapter summarizes the resource national-level organizations. PPAs are
commitments for PPAN 2023-2028 at the nutrition-specific or nutrition-sensitive
national level, covering both public and interventions with physical, financial, and
private sector partners, including the group or area targets for the 2023-2028
financial commitments from agencies that planning period. Only 248 PPAs,
were able to attend and submit during the however, have been indicatively costed as
Investment Planning Workshop. From the others are still firming up their agency
public sector, contributions come mainly plans. Some costings with modified,
from the members of the NNC-GB, with however, to align with budget allocations
the addition of other non-member national as of the 2023 General Appropriations
government agencies such as DAR and Act; others were corrected for differences
various academic organizations. The in units (which were in the millions rather
private development sector, to name a few, than the thousands); and one was added
includes partners from the United Nations under DSWD (the rice grant subsidy of the
(FAO, UNICEF, WHO, WFP) and 4Ps). The total financial target of NGAs
members of the SUN network (Unilever, for the PPAN 2023-2028 is nearly Php 600
NDAP, IIRC, NI, World Vision, UN, billion, with spending in excess of Php 100
ECCD, and CWC). Regional nutrition billion in 2023-2024 and slightly declining
bodies, LGUs, and other local-based afterward.
stakeholder groups are expected to
augment these resources. However, these Table 10 shows that of the PPAs at the
contributions will be reflected in the national level, about half are interventions
investment program for the Regional Plan that contribute to all age groups. Programs
of Action for Nutrition (RPAN) and the for the whole population are allocated 86%
LGU Local Nutrition Action Plans of financial resources, while school-age
(LNAP). children are a distant second at 6.2%,
followed by infants and young children at
For the national-level investment program, 5.5%. Program for older adults gets a
there are a total of 529 PPAs from 60 negligible share of only .006%.

67
Table 10: Financial targets by life stage, 2023 – 2028

Total 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

In Php ‘000

PLW 10,249,765 4,235,339 1,741,746 1,039,957 1,010,005 1,064,009 1,158,708

IYC 32,720,739 5,836,061 5,605,913 5,599,806 5,224,136 5,224,251 5,230,572

Preschooler 563,113 452,073 61,040 22,700 8,800 9,500 9,000

School-age 36,968,231 6,209,354 6,193,328 6,319,584 5,946,943 6,149,758 6,149,264

Adolescents 2,654,374 876,586 872,711 859,436 17,840 14,300 13,500

Adults 95,441 29,841 26,810 20,420 7,750 5,160 5,460

Older adults 36,050 14,500 12,550 2,500 2,500 2,500 1,500

All 509,445,679 82,364,713 89,804,508 86,089,322 84,739,812 82,957,311 83,490,012

Population

Financial Targets by Key Outcome PPAs that focus on food and diet
For the next six years, PPAs addressing (including food security), at 45%. Target
multi sectoral interventions get over half expenditures for enabling factors comprise
(53%) of the total financial targets, or Php 1.6%, while the remaining 0.3%
314 billion. This group is followed by the correspond to SBC communication.

Table 11: Financial targets by key outcome, 2023 – 2028

Total 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

In Php ‘000

Improved 313,992,349 54,153,904 55,918,739 52,867,504 51,015,654 49,968,083 50,068,465

Access to
Quality
Nutrition
Services
Healthier 266,911,742 42,886,413 44,675,882 44,911,263 44,767,842 44,686,268 44,984,074
Diets
Enabling 9,756,009 2,325,559 3,322,210 1,614,671 1,010,104 628,386 855,079
Environment
Better 2,074,251 653,551 401,776 560,288 164,186 144,051 150,398
Nutrition
Practices

68
Unfunded targets as many targets. Complementation of
resources allows for augmentation of key
Excluded in the calculation of financial interventions in both programs, projects
targets are several unfunded programs, and activities across geographical areas
activities, and items necessary to where they are most needed. This will
implement the PPAN 2023-2028, ensure scaling up of interventions that will
including: lead to the achievement of the PPAN
targets. This is also in line with the
Supplementary feeding for 6-35 months principle of cooperation between and
since the law on supplementary feeding among stakeholders and will serve to
are incorporated in the child development avoid duplication of interventions as well.
centers and school-based feeding program.
2. Ensuring Sustainable Interventions
1. Programs for adolescents, adults, and
older adults;
Sustainability of interventions in the case
2. Budget for LGU Nutrition Office
of malnutrition is crucial since there is a
and Personnel; and
need to ensure achievement of the
3. Funding for NNC should it become a
intended outcomes not just in the short
commission (including Nutrition
term but more importantly over a longer
Training Institute/Nutrition
period of time. This calls for ensuring that
Academy).
interventions are done in a sustainable
Guiding Principles on Financing manner, and not only concerning,
continuity, and institutionalization,
Apart from ascertaining the financing although these are important factors. It is
requirements of the PPAN and laying out likewise important that capacity building
the commitments of various stakeholders, and modeling, leading up to scale up
it is also important to put forward the interventions be put in place. Local
necessary guiding principles in financing government units that have performed well
the PPAN to achieve the desired outcome in addressing the problems of malnutrition
targets in the next six years. Taking off in their respective communities have
from the experiences of previous PPAN shown that the key is to continually
and the need to effectively respond to the expand, innovate and institutionalized key
current challenges the following guiding interventions by ensuring that resources
principles should be observed: are available, appropriate policy support is
extended and a steady pool of nutrition
1. Complementation of Resources workers and volunteers are equipped with
the necessary knowledge and skills.
The magnitude of resources both human
and capital necessary to achieve the 3. Cost effectiveness
outcome targets set forth by the PPAN
likewise requires complementation of According to the Copenhagen Consensus,
resources thereby ensuring reaching out to 3 out of the 10 key interventions to address

69
malnutrition include lipid based nutrient 3. Contributions from Academe, Civil
supplementation, complementary feeding Society Organizations, Business and
promotion and multiple micronutrients. Private Sector, and International
Donors and Development Partners.
Following these, the consensus also Contributions from the private sector
provided that for every dollar spent on key and business organizations while
interventions to address malnutrition the strongly encouraged should also follow
return on investment is about 17 dollars. It existing rules and regulations and
is therefore important that interventions should not be used to undermine the
such as those that are being prescribed by same, such as the promotion of
the PPAN specially within the critical exclusive breastfeeding as provided for
period of the first 1000 days be given in EO 51 and RA 10028.
utmost importance in terms of
investments. Under the guidance and leadership of
the National Nutrition Council, the
Modes of Financing Scaling Up Nutrition Movement (SUN
Movement) serves as the mechanism to
1. Allocation to Government agencies facilitate the participation and
through the General Appropriations contribution of academe, business, civil
Act (GAA) for nutrition programs, society organizations and development
projects, and activities (PPAs) that partners in operationalizing the PPAN
includes both national and local and providing for the necessary
government units. These PPAs are resources that can augment those that
allocated to national line agencies are provided for by the government.
pursuant to existing laws such as the One of the Principles of Engagement of
RA 11148, RA 11037, RA 11223, and the SUN Movement is on managing and
other nutrition related laws. mitigating Conflict of Interest. The
NNC as Secretariat and convenor of the
2. Budget Tagging and Sectoral SUN Movement Network facilitates the
Attribution. NNC Member agencies are alignment of the network’s thrust and
enjoined to include nutrition in the programs, with PPAN and to ensure
Program Convergence Budgeting their contribution to the outcome
(PCB), as provided for in the National targets.
Budget Memorandum 145 of the
DBMas well as various policy issuances
on local nutrition planning and
budgeting from the DILG. For LGUs,
budget allocation for nutrition can be
expressed in their respective LNAPs
and have them integrated into the
Annual Investment Programs (AIP).

70
 Financial Monitoring and Oversight sectors to ensure support for the
operationalization of the PPAN. In
1. Budget Tracking exercising its oversight function, the
It is imperative that budget tracking NNC member agencies and partner
be undertaken alongside the organizations are expected to
coordination and operationalization provide the Council a periodic report
of the PPAN, mainly with the on their respective accomplishments
objective of ensuring the link including the financial support
between the achievement of the extended to specific programs,
targets, the measurement of the projects and activities, undertaken
effectiveness of the interventions and jointly or independently with the
strategies that have been employed NNC. For programs, projects and
and its relationship to the activities and most importantly,
corresponding investments that have policies that are promulgated by the
been in place. Similarly, the budget NNC GB, mechanisms are in place
in its general sense as applied to any for member agencies and other
government undertaking is the stakeholders to participate.
political expression of the kind of
support that the program gets. There is a need however to further
improve the coordination and
Budget tracking therefore should participation of these stakeholders.
cover the allocation, expense and There are existing TWGs, for
utilization at various levels and how specific programs, but it is of utmost
these contribute to the achievement importance to further institutionalize
of the intended targets and ultimately the creation and mobilization of the
the outcomes set forth in this plan. IAWG, as a venue for participation,
coordination and implementation of
2. Oversight Functions of the key programs, projects and activities.
National Nutrition Council These IAWGs will also serve as a
Pursuant to the IRR of Executive venue to facilitate the preparation of
Order 234, the National Nutrition various reports that will then be
Council is mandated to mobilize and presented to the NNC TechCom and
call on any instrumentalities of the the NNC GB.
government and to link with private

71
PPAN Priority Areas priority provinces, a high amount of
financial support may not be required for
The bottom of Figure 11 shows the provinces with high economic capacity;
enabling factors divided into local and instead, interventions may entail advocacy
national levels. The Local Government efforts, information and education
Code assigns LGUs the frontline service campaigns, etc.
delivery arm for health, nutrition, and
agricultural services. Playing the The latter is proxied by the
supporting role is the national government, competitiveness index computed by the
which orchestrates a whole-of-nation DTI. The need of the province is measured
approach to hunger and malnutrition. by a Need Score, which is a combination
Coordination mechanisms are discussed in of malnutrition and food insecurity
Chapter 8. Here we discuss the indicators. The score is the simple average
prioritization of support to local of the following:
governments, at the provincial level. The
following prioritization method is intended ● Magnitude of stunted children aged
as a guide for assisting local governments 0–59 months (malnutrition)
whether financial or institutional (e.g., ● Magnitude of population with
capacity building activities). household per capita incomes below
the food poverty threshold (food
Provinces are distinguished by need and insecurity)
financial support requirements, which in
turn is related to economic capacity. The Both indicators are normalized with
aim is to achieve PPAN goals of reduced respect to the maximum. The first
malnutrition and hunger at the national indicator is obtained from NNC based on
level. To do so, the population at risk of OPT Plus results as of 2022. The second
malnutrition and hunger needs to be indicator is the magnitude of subsistence-
reduced. Hence provinces with the largest poor population 2021 from the Food
population of stunted children and Income and Expenditure Survey of PSA.
subsistence-poor are prioritized by need. The 81 provinces are ranked according to
To qualify the type of intervention being the highest Need Score, listed in Table 7
extended to priority provinces, the are the top 27 (one-third). Cebu had the
economic capacity of the province needs highest Need Score since it ranked highest
to be considered. The greater the economic for the two indicators, resulting in a Need
capacity, the lesser the financial Score of 100. BARMM had the most
requirement. For instance, for the highest number of provinces on the list (Sulu,

72
Maguindanao, Cotabato, Basilan), (Quezon, Cavite, and Rizal). Indicated in
followed by Region III (Bulacan, Nueva Annex 2 is the computation of the Need
Ecija, and Pampanga) and Region IV-A Score for each province.

Table 12. Top 27 provinces with the highest Need Score or those with the largest
population of stunted children and subsistence-poor.

Province Need Score Province Need Score

1. Cebu 100 15. Iloilo 24.97
2. Camarines Sur 59.77 16. Samar 24.8
3. Leyte 46.94 17. Oriental Mindoro 24.25
4. Quezon 44.59 18. Pangasinan 23.61
5. Sulu 35.54 19. Rizal 22.71
6. Zamboanga del Norte 32.31 20. Lanao del Norte 22.51
7. Negros Occidental 32.09 21. Masbate 20.98
8. Zamboanga del Sur 30.67 22. Davao del Sur 20.84
9. Cavite 29.48 23. Nueva Ecija 20.72
10. Negros Oriental 29.03 24. Palawan 20.26
11. Bulacan 28.05 25. Isabela 19.3
12. Maguindanao 26.75 26. Pampanga 19.28
13. Cotabato 26.59 27. Basilan 18.49
14. Bukidnon 25.89

Similarly, provinces are ranked by prioritized for the PPAN (Table 9).
competitiveness index, those with low Among these provinces, ten were
competitive index were considered to be of categorized as having “Low” requirement
high priority for financial support, and for financial support but should still be
vice versa. The top 16 that must have high monitored to ensure their excellent human
priority for financial support are listed in development performance, e.g., Cavite,
Table 8, the first 9 of which are also listed Bulacan, Cotabato, etc., as these will likely
in Table 7. Most of the provinces were be the first set of provinces to achieve zero
from Region VIII (Leyte, Samar, Eastern hunger and food insecurity. Indicated in
Samar, and Northern Samar), followed by Annex 2 is the computation of the Need
BARMM (Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi). Score for all the provinces with the
corresponding level of requirement for
Upon combination of the two tables, there financial support
are a total of 34 provinces that must be

73
Table 13. Top 16 provinces that must have high priority for financial support.

Provinces
1. Leyte 7. Masbate 12. Northern Samar
2. Sulu 8. Palawan 13. Surigao del Sur
3. Negros Occidental 9. Basilan 14. Zamboanga Sibugay
4. Negros Oriental 10. Sorsogon 15. Antique
5. Samar 11. Eastern Samar 16. Tawi-Tawi
6. Lanao del Norte

The PPAN Priority Provinces were such, the priority areas indicated herein
selected as focus areas for intensified shall be one of the bases for the
operationalization and as top priority for formulation and development of an
support from national government Implementation Plan (Annex 4) that will
agencies, partners, and other networks. cover the details on the specific menu of
Although the identified priority areas were options and actions for various
provincial-level, tailor-fitting of stakeholders to choose from in
interventions must still be done when contributing to the full implementation of
implementing at the city, municipal, or the plan. It is expected that the
barangay level. implementation plan will further
breakdown the goals, define further the
results as indicated in the results
Implementation Plan
framework, vis a vis the timeline, identify
and assess potential risks, and clarify the
The PPAN 2023-2028, like its predecessor roles and responsibilities of various
plans, is a multi-sectoral, strategic, and stakeholders, primarily, the IAWGs as
directional plan that guides various well as the various coordinating structures
stakeholders in implementing necessary at the regional, sub-national and local
interventions to address malnutrition. As government levels.

74
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ANNEX 1: Roles of Agencies in PPAN

Annex Table 1.1. NNC-member Agencies and their Roles/Functions in PPAN

Agency Roles/Functions

Commission on ● Implements population development services and facilities.

Population and ● Promotes responsible parenthood and integrates nutrition in
Development training programs.
(CPD)

Early Childhood ● Provides technical and funding support on matters related to early
Care and childhood learning and development.
Development ● Establishes National Child Development Centers (NCDCs) in
Council (ECCD) selected F1K Program areas, subject to ECCD Governing Board-
approved guidelines and provide technical support that may come
in the form, but not limited to the following: capacity building for
ECCD service providers, and provision of ECCD packages to child
development centers in the F1K Program areas.

Department of ● Help ensure attainment of food security by integrating nutrition

Agriculture (DA) considerations in policies, plans, and programs in collaboration
with Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government
Agencies (NGAs), private sector and other stakeholders to improve
the availability of safe and nutritious food, increase productivity
and incomes of farmers and fisherfolk at nutritionally-at-risk areas.
● Provide technical assistance to LGUs and other national
government agencies that will facilitate the shift towards resilient
and sustainable food systems, increased production, affordability,
and accessibility of healthier and nutritious food options.
● Provide support to capacity building programs to local agriculture
officers and extension workers to support effective and integrated
delivery of programs in agriculture

80
Agency Roles/Functions

Department of ● Ensures effective and efficient management of funds for PPAN and
Budget and ensures timely release of fund management policies and funds for
Management LGU programs including nutrition.
(DBM)

Department of ● Conducts nutritional assessment of elementary school children at

Education the start of every school year and monitors changes in their
(DepEd) nutritional status which includes promoting and ensuring healthy
school food environment including regulation of sale and
marketing of unhealthy food to schools, supports the provision and
monitoring of Iron Folic Acid supplementation of adolescent girls,
supports deworming, and promoting physical activity.
● Undertakes school feeding activities to rehabilitate severely and
moderately wasted school children and promote the utilization of
indigenous food commodities.
● Supervises the management of school canteens and cafeterias to
ensure the promotion of healthy and nutritious foods, proper eating,
and health practices.
● Develops modules on key core health and nutrition messages (e.g.,
First 1000 days) for integration into the curriculum.
● Provides support for parent and community education activities in
schools and implements nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive
initiatives for the adolescent female and at-risk population in
schools and the alternative learning system.
● Implements a school-based feeding program for undernourished
public school children from kindergarten to grade six (6) (RA
10037).

Department of ● Provides extension services to beneficiaries of community-based

Environment and forestry projects.
Natural ● Implements measures to prevent and control land, air, and water
Resources pollution.
(DENR) ● Recommends measures relative to the protection, conservation,
maximum utilization, application of appropriate technology and
other matters related to environment and natural resources
considering the impact on families at risk to malnutrition.
● Provides assistance to the prospective salt producers/manufacturers
in identifying suitable land areas appropriate for use as salt
works/farms (RA 8172).

81
Agency Roles/Functions

Department of ● Delivers and promotes nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive

Health (DOH) health programs and interventions to promote desirable nutrition
practices and healthy lifestyles, especially during the First 1000
days of life; rehabilitates the malnourished; prevents, controls, and
eliminates micronutrient deficiencies particularly VAD, Iron
deficiency anemia, and iodine deficiency disorder; cares for
lactating/women of reproductive age and infants, and promotion
and provision of primary oral health care.
● Shall lead in the implementation of the comprehensive national
public education and awareness program on breastfeeding through
a collaborative interagency and multi-sectoral effort at all levels.”
(RA10028)
● Impose sanctions for noncompliance
● FDA as a regulatory agency under the DOH monitors and enforces
the implementation of EO 51 or the Milk Code.

Department of ● Issues guidance and directives to LGUs to encourage integration

Interior and Local nutrition programs and projects in their local development plans,
Government annual investment plans; and implementation; and monitor LGU
(DILG) compliance using the established and existing monitoring systems
● Enables the organization of local nutrition committees, and
develops a system to monitor the functionality of these committees
● Enjoins and authorizes the attendance and participation of LGU
officials and functionaries in nutrition related trainings and
seminars conducted by NNC and NNC member agencies

Department of ● Generates employment, increases labor productivity, and

Labor and encourages the inclusion of nutrition-related programs and non-
Employment wage benefits in collective bargaining agreement (CBA)
(DOLE) negotiations.
● Issues related to guidelines and communication of the maternity
protection provisions of RA 11210 or the 105-Day Expanded
Maternity Leave Law to employers and workers in the private
sectors.

Department of ● Develops, generates, promotes, and transfers food and nutrition

Science and technologies and information, and research.
Technology ● Develop and implement comprehensive programs for the
(DOST) acquisition of design and manufacture of machines and
technologies and transfer said technology to small and subsistence

82
Agency Roles/Functions

producers/manufacturers (together with the Technology and

Livelihood Resource Center)” (RA 8172, RA 8976)

Department of ● Integrates nutrition objectives in its policies, plans, and programs

Social Welfare that address the total welfare and development of the individual,
and Development family, and community.
(DSWD) ● Ensures food assistance to nutritionally-vulnerable groups
especially during disasters, consistent with government rules and
regulations. Integrates nutrition education and information in the
design of non-formal training programs for parents with
preschoolers and malnourished children and for groups of
disadvantaged women, out-of-school youth, differently-abled
persons, and older persons.
● Builds capacities of Local Social Welfare and Development
Officers, Child Development Workers (CDWs) and Municipal
Links along organizing and managing the Family Development
Sessions (FDS) developed and all parenting programs,
Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (ERPAT),
and Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP), among others.
● Provides technical assistance to NGOs and LGUs in integration and
improved delivery of parenting, early childhood care and
development, and responsive care services.
● Implements the supplementary feeding program, in coordination
with the LGUs, for all children with ages (2) to five (5) years old
children enrolled in SNPs and CDCs (DSWD Administrative Order
No. 4 series of 2014)

Department of ● Ensures consumers’ protection and development of small and

Trade and medium enterprises (SMEs) to benefit the poor and nutritionally-at-
Industry (DTI) risk areas.
● Assists and supports local producers/manufacturers in upgrading
their production technologies by helping them obtain soft loans and
financial assistance for the procurement of machines, packaging
equipment and technology, and other materials needed for
upgrading; and by ensuring the systematic distribution of the
iodized salt in the market. (RA 8172, RA 8976).
● Assists and supports operationalization of the front of pack
nutrition labelling

83
Agency Roles/Functions

National ● Integrates nutrition concerns and the PPAN into the PDP, Regional
Economic and Development Plans, and Public Investment Program (PIP);
Development support/advocate nutrition-related policies
Authority ● Facilitates the review and discussion of nutrition concerns in the
(NEDA) NEDA-Board Social Development Committee.

Private Sector ● Assist in promoting good nutrition.

and NGOs ● Undertake nutrition projects, research, and evaluative studies.
● Test new approaches and strategies for nutrition interventions.
● Promote inter-linkages in nutrition.
● Participate in local nutrition programs.

Union of Local ● Promotes and advocates for efficient and effective networking and
Authorities of the consensus-building among its members in supporting issues on
Philippines early childhood care and development.
(ULAP)

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Annex Table 1.2. Other Government Agencies with Nutrition Supporting Functions

Other Offices Roles/Functions

Oversight ● “Review and evaluate the implementation of the National Diabetes

Committee for Prevention and Control Plan and make recommendations to the
the Prevention Secretary of Health for the attainment of the objectives set forth in
and Control of such plan” (RA 8191)
Diabetes
(OCPCD)

National Disaster ● NDRRMC is “empowered with policy-making, coordination,

Risk Reduction integration, supervision, monitoring and evaluation functions” (RA
and Management 10121).
Council ● Can integrate nutritional outcomes in the design of different
(NDRRMC) disaster risk reduction and management activities.

Cooperative ● “Assist the formation of cooperatives of local salt

Development producers/manufacturers in order that they can economically
Authority (CDA) engage in salt iodization and distribution of iodized salt” (RA
8172)

Technology and ● “Provide funding assistance to qualified small producers, especially

Livelihood if located in one of the priority provinces in support of the
Resource Center government's poverty alleviation and industry decentralization
(TLRC) drive” (RA 8172)
● “Undertake an all-out information campaign to promote the use of
iodized salt nationwide through its tri-media information program
and in its business technology courses” (RA 8172)

Commission on ● To encourage and promote breastfeeding, the Commission on

Higher Education higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills
(CHED) and Development Authority shall integrate in the relevant subjects in
Technical the elementary, high school and college levels, especially in the
Education and medical and education, the importance, benefits, methods or
Skills techniques of breastfeeding, and change of societal attitudes
Development towards breastfeeding (RA 10028, Sec 10)
Authority ● As part of integrating breastfeeding-related concepts to the
(TESDA) standards curriculum, the following are the existing Training
Regulations (TRs) that embed breastfeeding: (Barangay Health
Services, Community Nutrition Services, Caregiving for Newborn
to Preschooler and Clients with Special Needs)

85
ANNEX 2 Computation of Scores as basis for identifying PPAN Priority Provinces
Table 3.1. Computation of Need Scores
Province Stunting Magnitude Food Insecurity Magnitude Need
OPT Plus Normalized Magnitude of Normalized Score
2022, Value Subsistence- Value (Average
Stunted and (Divided by poor (Divided by of both
Severely highest value Population highest value Normalize
Stunted (%) (Cebu) x 100) ('000) (Cebu) x 100) d Value)

1. Cebu 37677 100.00 610.97 100.00 100.00

2. Camarines Sur 26031 69.09 308.17 50.44 59.77
3. Leyte 21715 57.63 221.46 36.25 46.94
4. Quezon 24310 64.52 150.67 24.66 44.59
5. Sulu 12850 34.11 225.88 36.97 35.54
6. Zamboanga del 7606 20.19 271.51 44.44 32.31
Norte
7. Negros 13165 34.94 178.61 29.23 32.09
Occidental
8. Zamboanga del 15997 42.46 115.33 18.88 30.67
Sur
9. Cavite 15795 41.92 104.12 17.04 29.48
10. Negros Oriental 12415 32.95 153.38 25.10 29.03
11. Bulacan 15503 41.15 91.41 14.96 28.05
12. Maguindanao 9769 25.93 168.50 27.58 26.75
13. Cotabato 6832 18.13 214.13 35.05 26.59
14. Bukidnon 8702 23.10 175.27 28.69 25.89
15. Iloilo 9199 24.42 155.92 25.52 24.97
16. Samar 12199 32.38 105.17 17.21 24.80
17. Oriental 13645 36.22 75.04 12.28 24.25
Mindoro
18. Pangasinan 7688 20.41 163.88 26.82 23.61
19. Rizal 15204 40.35 30.94 5.06 22.71
20. Lanao del Norte 6818 18.10 164.54 26.93 22.51
21. Masbate 10332 27.42 88.82 14.54 20.98
22. Davao del Sur 11064 29.37 75.18 12.30 20.84
23. Nueva Ecija 11542 30.63 65.98 10.80 20.72

86
 Province Stunting Magnitude Food Insecurity Magnitude Need
OPT Plus Normalized Magnitude of Normalized Score
2022, Value Subsistence- Value (Average
Stunted and (Divided by poor (Divided by of both
Severely highest value Population highest value Normalize
Stunted (%) (Cebu) x 100) ('000) (Cebu) x 100) d Value)

24. Palawan 12752 33.85 40.74 6.67 20.26

25. Isabela 8705 23.10 94.68 15.50 19.30
26. Pampanga 13413 35.60 18.07 2.96 19.28
27. Basilan 8113 21.53 94.41 15.45 18.49
28. Laguna 8920 23.67 80.86 13.23 18.45
29. Albay 8221 21.82 88.03 14.41 18.11
30. Agusan del Sur 5558 14.75 127.21 20.82 17.79
31. Bohol 6381 16.94 111.91 18.32 17.63
32. Batangas 10831 28.75 31.03 5.08 16.91
33. Sultan Kudarat 5550 14.73 113.80 18.63 16.68
34. Sorsogon 8017 21.28 72.32 11.84 16.56
35. South Cotabato 5719 15.18 103.76 16.98 16.08
36. Occidental 7467 19.82 69.25 11.33 15.58
Mindoro
37. Tarlac 9166 24.33 39.86 6.52 15.43
38. Zambales 7043 18.69 66.77 10.93 14.81
39. Eastern Samar 5575 14.80 87.39 14.30 14.55
40. Northern Samar 7862 20.87 38.99 6.38 13.62
41. Surigao del 5999 15.92 56.70 9.28 12.60
Norte
42. Sarangani 2509 6.66 112.17 18.36 12.51
43. Camarines Norte 7254 19.25 34.43 5.63 12.44

44. Surigao del Sur 5171 13.72 67.82 11.10 12.41

45. Misamis Oriental 3863 10.25 87.97 14.40 12.33
46. Zamboanga 3762 9.98 85.38 13.97 11.98
Sibugay
47. Agusan del 2886 7.66 87.92 14.39 11.03
Norte
48. Antique 4879 12.95 49.63 8.12 10.54

87
 Province Stunting Magnitude Food Insecurity Magnitude Need
OPT Plus Normalized Magnitude of Normalized Score
2022, Value Subsistence- Value (Average
Stunted and (Divided by poor (Divided by of both
Severely highest value Population highest value Normalize
Stunted (%) (Cebu) x 100) ('000) (Cebu) x 100) d Value)

49. Davao Oriental 4808 12.76 47.07 7.70 10.23

50. Davao de Oro 4264 11.32 54.28 8.88 10.10
51. Davao 3627 9.63 63.95 10.47 10.05
Occidental
52. Cagayan 5182 13.75 24.31 3.98 8.87
53. Tawi-Tawi 3362 8.92 42.06 6.88 7.90
54. Bataan 4341 11.52 23.32 3.82 7.67
55. Davao del Norte 3778 10.03 30.96 5.07 7.55
56. Misamis 3186 8.46 38.70 6.33 7.40
Occidental
57. Lanao del Sur 4778 12.68 4.73 0.77 6.73
58. Romblon 2421 6.43 42.73 6.99 6.71
59. Southern Leyte 3133 8.32 27.01 4.42 6.37
60. Aklan 2138 5.67 40.96 6.70 6.19
61. Catanduanes 3563 9.46 17.06 2.79 6.12
62. Ilocos Sur 2136 5.67 34.61 5.67 5.67
63. Aurora 2270 6.02 15.79 2.59 4.30
64. Biliran 2043 5.42 18.19 2.98 4.20
65. Nueva Vizcaya 1709 4.54 21.82 3.57 4.05
66. Abra 2171 5.76 13.17 2.16 3.96
67. Capiz 2226 5.91 11.68 1.91 3.91
68. Benguet 2299 6.10 9.40 1.54 3.82
69. La Union 2067 5.49 12.82 2.10 3.79
70. Dinagat Islands 1287 3.42 16.85 2.76 3.09
71. Kalinga 1963 5.21 4.15 0.68 2.94
72. Mountain 1576 4.18 8.25 1.35 2.77
Province
73. Marinduque 1331 3.53 11.89 1.95 2.74
74. Ilocos Norte 1659 4.40 0.00 0.00 2.20

88
 Province Stunting Magnitude Food Insecurity Magnitude Need
OPT Plus Normalized Magnitude of Normalized Score
2022, Value Subsistence- Value (Average
Stunted and (Divided by poor (Divided by of both
Severely highest value Population highest value Normalize
Stunted (%) (Cebu) x 100) ('000) (Cebu) x 100) d Value)

75. Apayao 1008 2.68 1.46 0.24 1.46

76. Ifugao 768 2.04 3.24 0.53 1.28
77. Guimaras 728 1.93 2.27 0.37 1.15
78. Quirino 593 1.57 2.57 0.42 1.00
79. Camiguin 300 0.80 5.51 0.90 0.85
80. Siquijor 313 0.83 0.00 0.00 0.42
81. Batanes 29 0.08 0.05 0.01 0.04

89
ANNEX 3: PPAN 2023-2028 Results Framework
Healthier Diets

Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency

Indicators
1. Increased Nutrition-specific:
availability of 1. Dietary Supplementation to vulnerable groups including pregnant NNC, LGUs, DSWD, DepED
food from women, children aged 6-23 months, and 2 - 10 years old.
household, Nutrition-sensitive:
school, and 2. Milk feeding to children 3 years old and above, pregnant, and lactating DSWD, DA- NDA, DA-PCC,
community women, and older adults. DepED
sources
3. Targeted rice grants to 4Ps households. DSWD, LGUs

4. Food stamps to food poor families

5. Food-for-work DSWD, WFP

DA, DOLE, DSWD

90
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators
2. Increased Nutrition-sensitive:
availability of 6. Provision of technologies/systems/ incentives for increased DA (L), DAR, FAO,
food supply productivity, reduced postharvest loss, climate resiliency, and DTI-Bureau of Investment
sustainable production.

7. Distribution of inputs, provision of easy, affordable and adequate credit DA (L), DA-NIA, LGUs
programs, and provision of sustainable and climate-smart irrigation
facilities, to farmers and fisherfolks.

8. Strengthen local agri-fishery input sources (e.g., nurseries, multiplier DA (L), LGUs
farms and hatcheries, mariculture parks, etc.).

9. Promote and adopt on-farm diversification strategy and balanced DA (L), LGUs
fertilization.

10. Strengthen research, development and commercialization of new and DA (L), DOST, LGUs
modern production-related technologies.

11. Pursuing digital transformation in agriculture through promoting smart DA (L), NFA, LGUs
agriculture technologies such as PRiSM, RCM.

12. Mainstreaming climate-resilient agriculture (e.g.,AMIA Program, DA (L), LGUs

CRVA.

13. Establishment and maintenance of household food gardens (e.g. DA, DILG, DSWD, LGUs
Halina't Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG), 4Ps Gulayan sa
barangay)

91
Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators

14. Establishment and maintenance of home, school, community, and work DepED, DA, FAO, WFP,
place food gardens DILG, CSC, LGUs

92
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators
3. Improved Nutrition-sensitive:
affordability by 15. Development of transport, market infrastructure and logistics systems DA, DTI-CPAB
more efficient to support access to healthy food or bring safe and nutritious food
food distribution closer to consumers (Philippine Food Chain Logistics Master Plan).

16. Completion of the national FMR network. DA, DTI

17. Implementation of local palay procurement and rice buffer stocking. NFA

18. Establishment of farmer – household/community linkages (e.g.,

DA (L), DTI, DSWD
KADIWA, Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty)

19. Establishment of trading centers and expand operationalization of LGUs

existing ones.

20. Strengthen linkage of farmers and fisherfolk to agribusiness and export DA, DAR, DTI, DSWD
market.

21. Digital platforms for promoting healthy food marketing, delivery, and DA, DTI, DSWD
payment transactions.

22. Adopting needs-based capacity development programs for small DA, ATI
farmers and fisherfolk, as well as Farmers and FCAs.

23. Establishment of agriculture hubs for food processing

DA, LGUs

93
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators
4. Increasing Nutrition-specific:
physical access 24. Food fortification FDA
to nutrient-dense
foods. 25. Biofortification DOST

26. Food reformulation FDA, DOST, Food Industries

Nutrition-sensitive:
27. Sustain and expand complementary food plants. FNRI, LGUs, SUCs, Private
Sectors

28. Conducting research and extension efforts to develop and promote FNRI, ITDI, SUCs, SUN-
nutrient-dense and fortified food options Academe
5. Increasing Nutrition-sensitive:
economic access 29. Livelihood support targeting vulnerable individuals, households, or DSWD, DOLE, DAR, LGUs
to nutrient-dense organized groups
foods.
30. Provision of conditional cash transfers to household (e.g. 4Ps) DSWD, LGUs

31. Cash for work WFP, DOLE

94
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators
6. Transforming Nutrition-sensitive:
market choices 32. Strict implementation of excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, DOF, FDA
towards administrative order on elimination of trans fatty acids in the food
nutritious diets supply.

33. Enforcement of Executive Order (EO) 51. DOH, FDA, EO51 Inter
agency committee

34. Enactment of new tax laws on foods high in salt, sugar, fat, and law to DOH, NNC, Congress
eliminate trans fatty acids in the food supply.

35. Advocating for subsidies on fruit and vegetables. FDA, NNC, DepEd,
Development Partners

36. Front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPL) NNC, DOH, FDA. Congress,

Development Partners

37. National and local legislation to regulate the marketing of unhealthy DOH, FDA, NNC, Congress,
food (high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt) and non-alcoholic beverages Private sector, Development
to children. Partners

38. Regulation for marketing of commercially prepared complementary NNC, DOH, FDA, Congress,
food. Development Partners

39. Policy on government food procurement DOH, GPPB

95
Better Nutrition Practices

Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency

Indicators

1. Pregnant and Nutrition-specific:

lactating women 1. Maternal and child healthcare package for pregnant and lactating LGUs, DOH, DSWD, SUN-CSO,
consume women, including counseling services. Development Partners
diversified and
nutrient-rich 2. Develop and implement a communication strategy for raising LGUs, NNC, DOH,
diets and have awareness and promoting healthy eating habits.
increased
utilization of 3. Nutrition Education classes (e.g. Idol Ko Si Nanay, Idol Ko Si Tatay) LGUs
maternal and
child health and 4. Expansion of community or peer-to-peer support groups LGUs, NNC, DOH
nutrition
services. 5. Sustain the Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI) DOH, LGUs, Hospitals

96
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators

2. Parents and Nutrition-specific:

caregivers of 6. IYCF Promotion and Counseling services in health facilities DOH-HPB, NNC, LGUs,
infants and SUN Movement,
young children
0-23 months 7. Establishing a network of peer support and community resources to DOH, LGU
demonstrate assist and encourage mothers on IYCF practices and WASH.
breastfeeding,
complementary 8. Enforcement of RA 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion DOH, DOLE, LGUs,
feeding, WASH Act, on establishment of Lactation Stations and provision of Lactation Private Sector
and care breaks to Lactating women workers.
practices that
promote optimal 9. Formulation and implementation of integrated SBCC in the first 1000 DOH, NNC
growth and days.
development.
Nutrition-sensitive:
10. Early childhood care and development services. ECCDC

11. Growth Monitoring and Promotion LGUs, DOH, NNC

97
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators

3. Parents and Nutrition-specific:

caregivers of 12. Formulation and implementation of SBCC Plan for children. DOH, NNC, DSWD, ECCDC,
children 3-5 SUN Network
years old
demonstrate 13. Nutrition education to children, teachers, catering staff, caregivers to DSWD, LGUs
responsive promote healthy eating habits.
caregiving
nutrition 14. Integrated nutrition curriculum in child development centers ECCDC, DSWD, LGUs
practices and
always provide Nutrition-sensitive:
safe, nutritious 15. Specialized classes focused on child nutrition to ensure health and LGUs, NNC, DSWD, CPD
diets. well-being of children, e.g. Family Development Sessions (FDS),
Prevention, Early Identification, Referral, Intervention of Delays,
Disorders, and Disability in Early Childhood (PEIRIDDDEC), and
Parent Effectiveness Service (PES)

16. Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) to support child development DSWD, LGUs
and social interaction.

98
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators

4. Children 5-10 Nutrition-specific:

years consume 17. SBCC strategies aimed at school children and their parents/caregivers. DepED, SUN Network
healthy diets, are
physically active, 18. Expand WASH facilities, potable water supply DepED, LGU
and have optimal
WASH practices. 19. Inclusion in the school curriculum DepED

DOH, DepED
20. Healthy learning institutions

Nutrition-sensitive:
21. Nutrition in the implementation of RA 11908 or the Parent
DSWD (L), UNICEF, PIA, Media
Effectiveness Service Program Act

5. All adolescents Nutrition-specific:

demand, 22. Comprehensive SBCC campaigns and activities targeted at adolescents DOH, DepEd, CPD, NYC, PIA,
consume healthy UNICEF
diets, and adopt
healthy lifestyle, 23. Comprehensive sexuality education DepED, CPD
including
physical
activities.

99
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators

6. Adults consume Nutrition-specific:

healthy diets, are 24. SBCC initiatives for adult individuals to promote health and well- NNC, DOH, LGUs
engaged in being.
physical activity,
and adopt 25. Inclusion of nutrition and healthy lifestyle in tertiary curriculum CHED
healthy
lifestyles. 26. Comprehensive campaign that encourages adults to lead healthy lives. DOH, LGUs

27. Package of interventions aimed at preventing and managing non- DOH, PhilHealth, LGUs,
communicable diseases through various health initiatives and programs Professional Medical and Allied
Health Associations/Organizations
7. Older persons Nutrition-specific:
consume healthy 28. Comprehensive campaign that encourages older individuals to lead DOH, NCSC, LGUs
diets, are healthy lives.
engaged in
physical activity 29. Develop and model Social Protection package, including nutrition for DSWD, LGUs
and adopt older individuals
healthy
lifestyles.

100
Improved Access to Quality Services.

Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency

Indicators

1. Pregnant and Nutrition-specific:

lactating women, 1. Maternal and child healthcare package for pregnant and lactating LGUs, DOH, PhilHealth
particularly in women, including counseling services.
GIDA, receive Nutrition-sensitive:
integrated and 2. Increasing participation of male partners in mother and child care. DOH, LGUs, DSWD, PCW
quality nutrition,
and maternal and 3. Strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) by delivering integrated DOH, LGUs
reproductive services across the life cycle.
health services.
2. Children 0- 2 Nutrition-specific:
years are 1. Integrated Child Health Services (RA 11148) LGUs, DOH, Development
regularly tracked, partners
monitored, and
receive an 2. Essential Intrapartum Newborn Care (Unang Yakap) LGUs, DOH, Development
integrated partners
package of
nutrition services 3. Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) LGUs, DOH, Development
in communities partners
and at health
facilities.

101
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators

4. Micronutrient Supplementation LGUs, DOH, Development

partners

5. Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition LGUs, DOH, Development

partners
Nutrition-sensitive:
6. Deworming LGUs, DOH, Development
partners

7. Immunization LGUs, DOH, Development

partners

8. Infant and Toddler Early Stimulation ECCDC, LGUs. Development

Partners

9. Growth monitoring and promotion LGUs, DOH, PhilHealth,

UNICEF
3. Children 3-5 Nutrition-specific:
years receive 10. Integrated Child Health services (Same as for children aged 0-2) LGUs
early learning,
health, nutrition, Nutrition-sensitive:
WASH, and 11. ECCD Checklist for developmental milestones ECCDC, LGUs
protection
services, 12. Deworming activity LGU, DOH
especially those
living in GIDA. 13. Provision of hand washing and toilet facilities LGUs, DILG, SUN Network

102
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators

4. All children 5-10 Nutrition-specific:

years benefit 14. School integrated health and nutrition services DepEd, SUN Network, LGUs
from
strengthened 15. Micronutrient Supplementation in schools DepEd, LGUs, DOH
nutrition and
food Nutrition-sensitive:
environments, 16. Scale up implementation of WASH in Schools DepEd, SUN Network, LGUs
and WASH
services in 17. Healthy Learning Institutions initiative DepEd, SUN Network, LGUs
schools and
communities. 18. School Nutrition Assessment, screening, referral, and tracking DepEd-DRRMS, LGUs, DOH

19. Enforcement of child protection policies DepEd, LGUs

103
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators

5. All adolescents Nutrition-specific:

have access to 20. Micronutrient supplementation (Women) DepEd, DOH, LGUs
healthy food
environments, Nutrition-sensitive:
nutrition, WASH, 21. Adolescent Health and Development Program, including Reproductive CPD, LGUs, DepEd
and mental health Health Services
services and
psychosocial 22. Nutrition assessment and monitoring DepED, LGUs
support.
23. Child protection services
CWC, LGUs (SK)
24. Healthy learning institutions and healthy communities DOH, DepED, DILG, LGUs

25. Technical vocational courses and livelihood programs (Out of school TESDA, LGUs (SK)
youth)
6. More adults have Nutrition-specific:
access to healthy 26. Improving the built environment to promote physical activity LGUs, NNC, SUN Network
food
environments 27. Healthy workplace settings DOH, DOLE, CSC, LGUs
and diets, and
facilities for 28. Management of Overweight and Obesity in primary healthcare DOH, PhilHealth, LGUs
physical activity. facilities and service delivery networks, with financing

104
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators

7. Older persons 29. Nutrition assessment, counseling, and monitoring LGUs

have access to
healthy food 30. Detection and management of acute malnutrition among SC LGUs, NCSC
environments
and diets, and 31. Legislation on nutrition for older person DOH, NNC, NCSC, Congress,
facilities for LGUs
physical activity
32. Modeling of nutrition interventions for older person DOST-FNRI

33. Physical activity for older person DOH, LGUs

105
Enabling Environment

Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency

Indicators

1. Food and 1. Establishment of the PPAN monitoring and evaluation framework NNC
nutrition
security data 2. Harmonized information system on nutrition-specific and nutrition- NNC, DOH, DSWD, DepED,
and information sensitive established and operationalized DA, DILG
on PPAN are
available for 3. Institutionalizing an electronic data capture, recording, and tracking LGUs, DOH
decision system for pregnant women
making
processes 4. Establishment of sentinel sites for monitoring and evaluation NNC

5. Institutionalization of an interoperable multi sectoral information DA, NNC, LGUs

system, such as Local Nutrition Early Warning System for For and
Nutrition Security (LNEWS-FNS) and Integrated Food Security Phase
Classification (IPC)

6. Implementation of the National Nutrition Information System NNC, DILG, NGAs

7. Periodic conduct of national nutrition survey (NNS) and national PSA, DOST-FNRI, DOH
demographic and health survey (NDHS)

106
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators

2. Governance 8. Establishment of Nutrition offices in the LGU, with adequate human NNC, DILG, LGU
structures for resource complement
coordination and
implementation 9. Adequately funded local nutrition action plans, integrated to NNC, LGUs
of multisectoral Comprehensive Development Plan, Provincial Development and
nutrition Physical Framework Plan, Annual Investment Plan of LGUs
interventions and
programs are NNC, Congress
10. Enactment of legislation on the Strengthening of the Philippine
established and Nutrition Program and transformation of the National Nutrition
made functional. Council Secretariat to a Commission

11. Intensified compliance of LGUs to nutrition-related criteria of awards DILG, NNC

and recognition system, e.g. Seal of Good Local Governance

12. Blue and green spaces in local land use plans prioritized DILG, DENR, DHSD
3. Adequate number 13. Establishment of the National Nutrition Training Institute. NNC, SUN Academe
of personnel
delivering 14. Training Regulations for Community Nutrition Services NC II,
integrated Barangay Health Services NC II. NNC TESDA SUN Academe
multisectoral
nutrition 15. Capacity building of local nutrition committee (LNC) chairs and NNC, BIDANI, SUN Academe
interventions members on food and nutrition security.
capacitated and
incentivized 16. Amendment of Presidential Decree (PD)1569 NNC, Congress

107
 Output Results Interventions Responsible Agency
Indicators

17. Development of Comprehensive Nutrition Security Leadership and NNC DILG, LGUs
Governance Program in all regions and constituent LGUs through the
whole-of-government approach in integrating nutrition.

18. Creation of plantilla of a nutrition action officer in all LGUs Congress, DILG, NNC
4. multi-sectoral 19. Program Convergence Budgeting DBM, NNC, LGUs, DA
nutrition programs
are adequately 20. Resource Mobilization and Alliance building DSWD, DOH, DILG, DepED,
financed LGUs, NGAs

21. Nutrition budget tagging and tracking DBM, NNC, LGU, DILG

108
ANNEX 4: PPAN 2023-2028 Implementation Plan*
Healthier Diets

109

*as of 16 to 18 January 2024 PPAN 2023-2028 Implementation Plan Workshop

110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
Better Nutrition Practices

126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
Improved Access to Quality Services

134
135
136
137
Enabling Environment

138
139
140
141
142
143
144
 National Nutrition Council
Printed in the Republic of the Philippines
September 2023