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Nutrition in Early Childhood Care and Development
In a compelling address at the recently concluded seminar on the ECCD CONVERGENCE 2024 Nurturing Cebuano Children, Together, Dr. Parolita Mission, the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of the National Nutrition Council Region VII and a leading nutrition expert underscored the critical role of nutrition in a child’s earliest years during her presentation at the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Convergence last 05 December 2025 at the Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu City.
Dr. Mission, who advocates the strong integration of nutrition in early child care and development programs, emphasized that the first 1,000 days of life — from conception to a child’s second birthday — is a critical window for growth and development.
In her presentation, Dr. Mission explained that malnutrition during this formative period can lead to long-term negative effects, such as stunting, impaired brain development, and increased susceptibility to illnesses. These consequences, not only hinder an individual’s potential but also impact the country’s socioeconomic development in the long run.
The said convergence activity, which was organized by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc– Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund (RAFI-DACF) was attended by ECCD Council, UNICEF, Arcanys, World Vision, CCNN, KidsLife, partner LGUs, Scaling Up Nutrition Academe, other NGOs, and beneficiaries.
Dr. Mission’s remarks coincide with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s renewed pledge to tackle malnutrition through a more strategic and intensified approach. The President’s order to intensify the government’s anti-malnutrition drive, particularly stunting, aligns with the goals of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028, which seeks to address food insecurity, micronutrient deficiencies, and poor feeding practices that affect the nation’s children.
The President’s renewed commitment to fighting malnutrition, especially in early childhood, is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 of ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture by 2030. Dr. Mission’s focus on ECCD underscores the importance of addressing malnutrition as early as possible to ensure a healthier, more productive generation of Filipinos.
As the country responds to President Marcos’ call to action, Dr. Mission’s insights reaffirm the pivotal role of early childhood nutrition in the fight against malnutrition. Through sustained efforts and effective implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, the Philippines can look forward to a healthier, stronger, and more resilient future for its children.
In light of this directive, Dr. Mission stressed the importance of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition as a guiding framework, particularly in the integration of nutrition-sensitive interventions into ECCD programs, which already cover early childhood education, health, and social services.//NNP