SENATOR Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV continues to push for measures aimed at preventing stunting among Filipino children.

Aquino led discussions on several proposed initiatives focused on early childhood nutrition and sustainable agriculture, emphasizing that proper nutrition during a child’s first five years is critical for healthy development and school readiness.

“Thanks to your support in our fight for the welfare of Filipino students, the budget for the school-based feeding program was increased. From the previous 120 days, the program has now been extended to 200 days. That alone is a major reform that this committee pushed for and which the Committee on Finance approved,” Aquino said.

The senator cited a report from EDCOM II showing that 26.7% of Filipino children under five—roughly one in four—are stunted.

“Stunted children have weaker bodies and face greater difficulty in learning. If we fail to give this adequate attention, their future productivity and their hopes for a better life will also be affected,” Aquino warned.

He added that the hearing will focus on evaluating current government nutrition programs and identifying improvements to combat early childhood malnutrition nationwide.

The public hearing is part of the Senate’s ongoing efforts to strengthen policies supporting children’s health, learning outcomes, and long-term development.