Cebu Province posts highest number of stunted children

CEBU, Philippines — As stunted children remain a pressing concern in Cebu Province, efforts to curb the number of cases continue after the province recorded the highest number of stunted children among provinces nationwide in 2023.

During the 52nd Nutrition Month Sales Conference held on Friday, May 29, in Cebu City, officials from the National Nutrition Council Region (NNC)-7 presented the latest data showing that Cebu recorded 20,664 cases of stunted children in 2023.

NNC Nutrition Officer III Nasudi Soluta said these findings came from the 2023 National Nutrition Survey and the 2025 Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus Report, as officials discussed hunger and food security in Central Visayas.

According to Soluta, stunting results from long-term nutritional deprivation and recurrent illnesses, which can affect a child's growth and development.

She clarified that the 2023 National Nutrition Survey data focused on preschool children. Among provinces nationwide, Cebu ranked first, followed by Camarines Sur with 19,560 cases and Quezon with 15,269.

Among highly urbanized cities (HUCs), Cebu City ranked third with 2,436 children classified as having low height-for-age. Toledo City ranked fifth with 1,835 cases, while Carcar City recorded 1,612 cases.

"We've already talked with the Cebu Province Provincial Nutrition Committee about this," Soluta assured, adding that efforts to address the problem are already underway.

She also encouraged the public to commit to helping address the issue of child stunting in the province.

"Stunting in Cebu has really been an issue, a problem for a long time now," she added.

Record says

The survey also identified provinces and cities with high numbers of underweight, overweight, and wasted children.

Cebu Province ranked ninth among provinces with the highest number of wasted children, recording 3,141 cases.

Cebu City ranked sixth among HUCs with 516 cases, while Toledo City ranked fourth with 463 cases.

For underweight children, Cebu Province ranked second nationwide with 8,672 cases.

Cebu City ranked fifth among HUCs with 1,233 cases, while Toledo City ranked sixth with 858 cases and Carcar City ranked ninth with 605 cases.

On the other hand, Cebu Province and Cebu City both ranked fifth nationwide for having the highest number of overweight children in their respective categories.

Based on the 2025 OPT Plus results, the percentage of stunted children in Central Visayas, including Siquijor and Negros Oriental, remains high.

The report also showed that stunting affected 6.33 percent, or 40,674 children, in the region.

This was followed by underweight children at 2.90 percent (18,735), overweight children at 1.91 percent (12,212), and wasted children at 1.11 percent (7,152).

Hunger persists

Soluta also presented the region's current standing on hunger and food security based on the 2023 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS).

The survey found that 35.6 percent of households in Central Visayas experienced moderate to severe food insecurity, higher than the national average of 31.4 percent.

This year's Nutrition Month theme centers on environmental protection and food safety and security.

The agency emphasized that safeguarding natural resources is essential to ensuring sustainable food systems and good nutrition for present and future generations.

NNC-7 Nutrition Officer II Althea Mae B. Suarez explained that the sub-theme, “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!”, highlights the relationship between nutrition and environmental sustainability.

This focus comes amid growing concerns over the effects of environmental degradation on food systems and nutrition.

She cited a study that says climate change, largely driven by human activities, is a major factor disrupting food systems, reducing access to nutritious foods, and increasing the risk of malnutrition.

“We could reverse it through our initiatives. That is why we are encouraging everyone, because reversing the impact of climate change is really possible through our multisectoral efforts,” said Suarez.

To support the month-long observance, NNC-7 has lined up several regional activities, including the Nutrition Month launching fun run on July 5, an IEC-making contest, social media activities, tree-planting initiatives throughout July, and the Grand Nutrition Awards on Aug. 14.

Countermeasures vs. Hunger

The same conference outlined agriculture as a valuable solution for making food accessible, available, affordable, safe, and nutritious, while addressing malnutrition was recognized as a shared responsibility requiring a multisectoral approach.

To achieve food security, it was noted that the Department of Agriculture continues to pursue strategies aimed at boosting agricultural production, expanding agri-fishery areas, modernizing production systems, improving post-harvest facilities and infrastructure, strengthening logistics and market access, among other initiatives.

The agency's banner programs include the Rice Program, Corn Program, High Value Crops Development Program, National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program, Livestock and Poultry Program, and Organic Agriculture Program, all of which contribute to food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable agricultural growth.

UP Cebu Center for Environmental Informatics (CENVI) Program Leader Jonnifer R. Sinogaya highlighted the role of technology in strengthening food security and environmental protection in Central Visayas.

The center was conceptualized in response to challenges associated with the region's rapid growth and development, including resource strain, environmental degradation, and the loss of ecosystem services.

Among its initiatives is Smart Agriculture Mapping, which uses geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and machine learning to monitor environmental changes, predict risks, and optimize land and resource management for sustainable food systems.

Dr. Niño Archie S. Labordo, Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC-7, closed the event with hopes of crafting solutions to the concerns raised.

“The true measure of our success today will not be determined by the discussions we held within this venue, but by the concrete actions we undertake once we return to our respective offices, local government units, and communities,” said Labordo. — Sofhia Grace Neri Marjorey B. Cantila CNU Interns (FREEMAN)