Bangsamoro Government launched nutrition commission to strengthen the fight against malnutrition

Cotabato City, 16 July 2026 — The Bangsamoro Government has taken a major step in activating the Bangsamoro Nutrition Commission, with the launch of its Implementing Rules and Regulations. This marks a significant step toward stronger nutrition governance and accelerating efforts to reduce malnutrition across the region. With the rules and regulations now in effect, the commission will work with ministries, local government units, development partners, and communities to strengthen nutrition programmes and improve services for children and other vulnerable groups across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

During a recent ceremony held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, Cotabato City, members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, officials of the Bangsamoro Government, representatives from national government agencies, local government units, Nutrition Action Officers, development partners, civil society organizations, and international organizations joined calls to build a healthier and more nourished Bangsamoro.

“The establishment of the Bangsamoro Nutrition Commission is our collective vow that no child in the Bangsamoro region will have their potential cut short by hunger and malnutrition. We have fought for generations for peace and self-determination. Yet, true self-determination begins in the first 1,000 days of a child's life,” said Minister Kadil M. Sinolinding Jr., the region’s Minister of Health.

UNICEF Philippines and the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development, with generous funding from the Child Nutrition Fund, supported the development of the rules and regulation. This partnership highlights the shared commitment to strengthen nutrition governance and advance child nutrition across the Bangsamoro region.

Led by the Ministry of Health, the regulations were shaped by voices from across the Bangsamoro region, including Nutrition Action Officers, local leaders, ministries, development partners, civil society groups, and stakeholders from mainland and island provinces. Their inputs helped ensure the framework responds to the real nutrition needs of Bangsamoro communities.

“A strong Bangsamoro begins with healthy families and well-nourished children. The operationalization of the Bangsamoro Nutrition Commission reflects our government’s commitment to investing in human development because lasting peace and sustainable progress can only be achieved when our people are healthy, productive, and empowered. We call on every ministry, local government, development partner, and community to unite behind this shared mission,” said Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua.

For decades, UNICEF Philippines has been working with the government to improve the health, nutrition and well-being of women and children in the Philippines. 

“Behind every nutrition programme is a child who deserves to grow, learn and thrive. Through strong partnerships with government, communities, and development partners, we can bring essential nutrition services closer to the children and families. We will continue to support the Bangsamoro government to help nourish children in the region so they reach their full potential,” said UNICEF Philippines Country Representative Kyungsun Kim.

The implementing rules and regulations strengthen the Bangsamoro Nutrition Commission’s role in advancing ongoing nutrition efforts across the region, helping align government, partners and communities around a shared goal of laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous Bangsamoro for generations to come.