Central Visayas Child Malnutrition Declines, Yet Stunting Persists as Critical Challenge
Child malnutrition is gradually decreasing across Central Visayas, but regional health authorities have issued a stark warning that stunting continues to pose a significant and persistent obstacle. Fresh statistics indicate that while the proportion of impacted children is diminishing, more than 38,000 children under the age of five are still grappling with the enduring consequences of inadequate nutrition.
Stunting Rates Show Modest Improvement
According to the comprehensive 2025 Operation Timbang Plus (OPT Plus) report, the regional stunting rate has fallen to 6.26 percent this year, marking a reduction from the 6.7 percent recorded in 2024. Stunting, commonly referred to locally as putot, is a condition where a child's height is severely below average for their age due to chronic nutritional deficiencies over an extended period.
Why Stunting Demands Urgent Attention
Health professionals are deeply concerned because stunting extends far beyond physical stature. Nasudi Soluta of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 7 clarified on Thursday, February 19, 2026, that the effects can be irreversible. It can hinder full brain development and compromise a child's future productivity and cognitive abilities.
The root causes are frequently associated with:
- Families enduring poverty and economic hardship.
- Insufficient maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
- Inadequate access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities.
- Households lacking consistent availability of nutritious, healthy food.
Geographic Disparities in Stunting Prevalence
The severity of stunting varies considerably based on geographic location. Urban centers such as Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue report lower incidence rates, whereas rural provinces are experiencing higher figures. Due to its substantial population size, Cebu Province accounts for nearly half of all stunted children in the entire Central Visayas region.
Regional Initiatives to Combat Malnutrition
To assist children who are critically underweight, the NNC is actively distributing Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food—a specialized, high-calorie paste enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.
However, Soluta stresses that the genuine solution to stunting must commence much earlier. She highlighted the first 1,000 days strategy, which concentrates on ensuring optimal nutrition for pregnant mothers and promoting appropriate breastfeeding practices for infants.
Progress Amidst Ongoing Struggles
Although stunting remains a formidable challenge, there is encouraging progress: other malnutrition forms, including being underweight or wasted (excessively thin for height), are also declining throughout Central Visayas.
The NNC is now urging local government leaders to utilize this updated data for strategic 2027 budget planning. By directing resources and programs toward the most affected communities, officials aspire to guarantee that every child in Central Visayas can develop healthily and realize their full potential.
