Senate bill eyes nutrition council revamp to address malnutrition

MANILA, Philippines – A Senate bill seeks to transform the National Nutrition Council (NNC) into a National Nutrition Commission, a move proponents say will enhance its authority and efficiency in addressing the country's persistent malnutrition problem. Senator Risa Hontiveros, author of Senate Bill No. 1576 or the proposed National Nutrition Commission Act, highlighted that despite the NNC's over 50 years of existence, many children remain undernourished, families experience hunger, and communities lack continuous services. She expressed particular concern over the rising stunting rate among children, which has reached 25.3%, classifying it as a high public health concern. Hontiveros noted that stunting is considerably worse in rural areas, with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao recording the highest incidence at 30.9%. She attributed the issue to a lack of clear leadership, coordination, and accountability among the various agencies involved in nutrition efforts. The proposed bill aims to establish a dedicated governing body with nutrition experts to formulate policies, supervise implementation, and recommend measures to promote the right to nutrition. It also calls for the creation of nutrition offices in every province, city, and municipality, to be headed by local nutrition action officers. Health Undersecretary Albert Domingo, who also serves as the NNC's executive director, expressed support for the bill, stating that the transformation would better reflect the council's expanding mandate and its role in coordinating with multisectoral groups. Maria Lourdes Vega, executive director of the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines, suggested that at least one commissioner should be a registered nutritionist-dietitian to ensure technical expertise in policy formulation. She also stressed the need for local government units to organize local nutrition committees for better on-the-ground coordination. Mikhail Millan of ImagineLaw recommended the establishment of conflict-of-interest management policies to shield the commission's policymaking from undue influence.