House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III has called for the swift enactment of a proposed National Nutrition Program as the country confronts worsening child stunting and persistent malnutrition.
Dy made the appeal during National Nutrition Month after the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute reported that child stunting rose to 25.3 percent in 2025.
Dy is among the principal authors of House Bill No. 9466, which seeks to expand Republic Act No. 11037, or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, into a broader national nutrition program. The measure was approved by the House before the close of the First Regular Session and has been identified as a priority by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The bill would expand school-based feeding and nutrition interventions to cover all learners from Kindergarten to Grade 3, undernourished students from Grades 4 to 12, nutritionally at-risk pregnant learners, children with disabilities, Indigenous learners and other vulnerable groups.
It would also strengthen maternal nutrition programs, micronutrient supplementation, milk feeding, sanitation and hygiene initiatives, nutrition education and support for local farmers and fisherfolk.
“Bilang mga magulang, lolo at lola, guro, o simpleng kababayan, iisa ang ating pangarap—na walang batang Pilipino ang magugutom at ang bawat isa ay magkaroon ng pagkakataong makapag-aral, mangarap, at magkaroon ng mas magandang kinabukasan,” Dy said.
He said proper nutrition gives children a better chance to grow, learn and pursue their aspirations.
“Sa Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan, tungkulin naming tiyakin na ang bawat batang Pilipino ay may pagkakataong lumaking malusog, matuto nang mabuti, at maabot ang kanyang mga pangarap,” he said.
Dy added that nutrition is not only a health concern but also a matter of opportunity, dignity and long-term national development.
This year’s National Nutrition Month carries the theme, “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!,” highlighting the link between environmental protection, food security and public health.
Dy urged families, schools, local governments and communities to work together to improve nutrition and protect natural resources.
“Nutrition is not just a health issue. It is an investment in our people and in the future of our nation,” he said.