The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2) has raised an alarm after the latest survey by the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute revealed that the number of malnourished children in the country remains high.
Stunting prevalence remains high
Based on the results of the 2025 Updating Survey, 25.3 percent, or one in every four children aged five years and below, experience stunting or slow growth due to lack of proper nutrition.
According to EDCOM2, this is considered a serious public health issue because of the continuously increasing number of affected children.
Impact beyond physical growth
The commission explained that the effects of malnutrition are not only seen in the physical growth of the child. It can also affect mental development, learning ability, and the readiness of children to enter school.
Because of this, EDCOM2 stated that the country's education problem begins even before a child enters the classroom.
Worse in poor communities
The survey also showed that the problem is more severe in poor and vulnerable communities, where more children face food shortage and lack of proper nutrition.
