SENATOR Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV called for stronger nutrition laws and policies, warning that poor child nutrition continues to hinder education and national development.

Aquino identified three priorities: addressing the persistent problem of stunting among Filipino children, keeping more youth in school, and supporting students’ focus, concentration, and overall learning.

Citing a report from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), Aquino noted that the prevalence of stunting in the Philippines has barely improved in the last two decades.

“Twenty-six point seven percent of Filipino children under five years old are stunted. This means one in four children will never reach their full potential and will suffer the effects of undernutrition for the rest of their lives,” Aquino said.

He also cited a joint study by DepEd and the World Food Program showing that school-based feeding programs significantly boost enrollment and attendance. Other studies, he added, confirm such programs also improve children’s learning capacity, particularly their ability to focus in class.

“We have three clear reasons for doing this: to stop and find solutions to stunting, to improve school attendance, and to strengthen students’ learning capacity,” Aquino explained.

The committee reviewed various feeding programs being implemented nationwide as lawmakers and education stakeholders continue to search for long-term strategies to combat child malnutrition and its impact on learning.