Experts observe that Sara Duterte did not discuss strategies for addressing malnourished students in her recent statements.
In a recent address, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte highlighted the need to address the learning crisis and improve teachers' welfare, but did not mention any plans to address malnutrition among students. However, malnutrition is a pressing issue that significantly affects the health and academic success of children in the Philippines.
Malnutrition, particularly stunting and wasting, can impair cognitive development, essential for learning and academic achievement. Children who are malnourished often have difficulty concentrating, participating, and performing well in school. The effects of malnutrition can extend beyond childhood, impacting an individual's potential and future contributions to society.
According to the latest data, the Philippines faces a "triple burden" of malnutrition, with significant rates of stunting (26.7%) and wasting (5.5%) among children under five. Areas like Cebu Province show concerning rates of malnutrition, highlighting structural inequalities and economic disparities.
To effectively address malnutrition, collaboration among government agencies is essential. The Department of Education, Department of Health, and the National Nutrition Council can work together to design and implement nutrition programs in schools. Involvement of local government units is critical to ensure that programs are tailored to specific community needs and implemented effectively at the grassroots level. Collaboration with private sector organizations and NGOs can provide additional resources and expertise to support nutrition initiatives.
Implementing school meal programs can help ensure that children receive at least one nutritious meal per day. Integrating nutrition education into school curricula can raise awareness and promote healthy eating habits. Providing access to healthcare services within schools can help identify and address malnutrition early.
Aral Pilipinas lead convenor Reg Sibal stated that the government sometimes forgets the importance of addressing students' needs before they enter the classrooms. He emphasized the need for a collaboration among government agencies to address malnutrition. PBEd executive director Justine Raagas expressed hope that malnutrition could be added to the DepEd's agenda.
By fostering a collaborative approach, the Philippine government can effectively address malnutrition among students, ultimately enhancing their educational outcomes and overall well-being. The importance of addressing malnutrition cannot be overstated, as it has life-long repercussions for children's brain development and academic success.
References: [1] UNICEF Philippines. (2021). State of the World's Children 2021: On My Mind: Promoting Mental Health and Well-being. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/philippines/state-of-the-worlds-children-2021
[2] World Health Organization. (2019). Philippines: Nutrition Situation. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/nutrition/situation-analysis/sit-analysis/philippines/en/
[3] World Health Organization. (2019). Child growth and malnutrition. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/child-growth-and-malnutrition
[4] UNICEF Philippines. (2020). Philippines: Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/philippines/nutrition
[5] World Health Organization. (2019). School Health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/school_youth_health/school_health/en/
- Despite Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte's recent remarks focusing on improving teachers' welfare and learning crisis, it's crucial to address malnutrition among students, as its impacts on cognitive development can hinder academic achievement.
- In light of the high rates of malnutrition, particularly stunting and wasting, in the Philippines, collaboration among government agencies such as the Department of Education, Department of Health, and the National Nutrition Council is essential to design and implement nutrition programs in schools, improving students' mental health, nutrition, and overall academic success.
