THE DEPARTMENT of Education and Abbott have partnered to address child malnutrition in the Philippines through the Nutrition and Growth Champions Program, an initiative aimed at strengthening nutrition screening and awareness in schools and communities.

DepEd said the partnership comes at a critical time as child malnutrition remains a major public health concern in the country.

Based on the 2025 Updating Survey Results of the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), one in four Filipino children below five years old are stunted—the first increase recorded since 2015.

Stunting may have long-term effects on a child’s physical growth, cognitive development, and overall health, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to promote proper nutrition and healthy growth among children.

In response, DepEd has continued to prioritize learner nutrition through nationwide school feeding and other nutrition programs designed to support children’s health and well-being.

The Nutrition and Growth Champions Program will complement these efforts by equipping educators and school health personnel with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to monitor children’s growth, identify possible nutrition concerns, and facilitate timely interventions.

“As we strengthen school feeding and nutrition programs across the country, partnerships like this help equip our schools with the tools and knowledge to identify nutrition concerns early and connect children to timely support,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

Abbott Nutrition Philippines General Manager Angelico Escobar said addressing malnutrition has long been part of the company’s commitment.

“By combining Abbott’s nutrition science expertise with DepEd’s leadership, we can support earlier identification of children at risk of malnutrition and strengthen nutrition awareness in schools and communities, helping build a healthier future for Filipino children,” Escobar said.

The program will initially be implemented in 100 pilot schools across Metro Manila, with malnutrition screening expected to benefit more than 70,000 learners.