How communities in the Philippines are working to combat child malnutrition

The Philippines faces a triple burden of malnutrition where undernutrition, “hidden hunger” or micronutrient deficiencies, and rising cases of childhood obesity coexist and affect communities nationwide. These challenges—which can affect growth, development, and future opportunities—often hit children the hardest. In Macalelon, Quezon, where stunting affects 15.7 per cent       of children and 7.5 per cent      are underweight, addressing these issues has become a community priority. Through the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), a collaboration led by the Department of Health and Department of Social Welfare and Development, with funding from the World Bank and technical support from UNICEF, Macalelon is working to reverse these statistics and give its youngest citizens a healthier start.

With over PHP 2.3 million in funding from Performance-Based Grants (PBGs) under the PMNP, Macalelon’s Municipal Health Office, led by Dr. Djohanna Emma P. Glifonea, has rolled out targeted programmes that meet the specific needs of the municipality. These grants have made possible practical initiatives like training health workers and stakeholders—including barangay captains and secretaries, and kagawads on health (barangay officials tasked with overseeing health programs)—to strengthen community health systems. The funding has also allowed the municipality to provide family nutrition and planning services, and supporting mothers and children to access better nutrition  resources. As the project continues, PMNP is also working to ensure sustainability across all partner municipalities by focusing on capacity development in nutrition governance, strategic planning, and system strengthening. These efforts aim to create long-lasting improvements that benefit not just Macalelon but communities nationwide.

The community’s PBG-supported programmes are already making a difference. Children who might have missed out on essential nutrients are now receiving micronutrient powder and supplements. Macalelon is also preparing to launch a “Buntis Congress,” where expectant mothers receive starter kits filled with newborn essentials, micronutrient supplements and nutritious foods—to ensure both mother and child have the care they need from day one.

“For Macalelon, these grants ensure that every action we take is tied to measurable outcomes. They encourage us to plan better, work harder, and stay accountable to the community." Dr Glifonea shared. "This approach allows us to maximize limited resources and focus on delivering meaningful health and nutrition services where they are needed most.”

Macalelon’s work with PBGs goes beyond setting up programmes. Close teamwork between the local government, the project team, and the Mayor’s active support has helped ensure that every resource goes toward improving nutrition and health services. PMNP funding has been essential in supporting dedicated health and nutrition staff, who work to deliver essential nutrition services and care to every child.

Local health workers have also received hands-on training to create Barangay Nutrition Action Plans, which now equip them to strengthen support and expand health and nutrition programmes across the community. To further extend these efforts, Macalelon has brought in additional team members to track data, coordinate with barangay teams, and reach families even in the most remote areas.

Communities like Macalelon show the incredible power of local leadership and the crucial role health and nutrition workers play in making sure every child receives the care they need. Their dedication and teamwork are bringing life-changing health and nutrition support to families who need it most—one child at a time.

“Performance-Based Grants through PMNP show how targeted support can drive real change,” said Alice Nkoroi, UNICEF Philippines Nutrition Manager. “Macalelon’s approach highlights how accountability and community-driven efforts can transform resources into life-changing results for children and families.”

For every child, accountable support.

UNICEF, through the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), is dedicated to ensuring all children receive nutritious diets, essential nutrition services, and nurturing care during their First 1,000 Days and beyond. With $178 million from the World Bank, the project works with local governments in 275 municipalities across Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are leading this project to provide a coordinated package of nutrition services and promote healthy practices at the household level to improve nutrition for every child.