SENATOR Bam Aquino on Wednesday underscored the urgent need to strengthen early childhood nutrition programs, warning that malnutrition continues to impede the growth, development, and learning capacity of millions of Filipino children.

Aquino called for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2272, or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, which seeks to expand the country’s national nutrition program by amending Republic Act No. 11037.

Citing findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), Aquino noted that approximately 26.7 percent of Filipino children under the age of five are stunted—a condition caused by chronic malnutrition that adversely affects physical and cognitive development.

The senator stressed that poor nutrition has a direct impact on a child’s ability to learn, noting that malnutrition can impair memory, language development, attention span, problem-solving skills, and long-term educational outcomes.

“Our proposed bill is not just a feeding program. It is part of education reform, a public health strategy, and a step towards developing human capital in our country,” Aquino said in Filipino during his speech.

Aquino emphasized that addressing child stunting is crucial to improving educational performance and ensuring that Filipino children are equipped to reach their full potential.

The proposed measure aims to strengthen nutrition interventions during the early years of a child’s life—a period widely recognized by health and education experts as critical to brain development and future academic success.

He said investing in nutrition is ultimately an investment in the country’s future workforce and overall development, urging lawmakers to support measures that address the root causes of learning challenges among Filipino children.

“Kapag masustansya ang bata, mas handa siyang matuto, mangarap, at magtagumpay. Ang laban kontra stunting ay laban para sa kinabukasan ng bawat batang Pilipino at ng ating bansa,” Aquino said.