THE NATIONAL Nutrition Council (NNC) and the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) are inviting the public to help shape government policies and programs for the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, a critical period that lays the foundation for health, nutrition, and early learning.

A public consultation will be held via Zoom on October 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., to gather feedback on the draft Joint Memorandum Circular on Supplementary Guidelines for the Integrated Delivery of First 1,000 Days Services.

The proposed guidelines seek to strengthen coordination among national government agencies, local government units, and frontline service providers in delivering health, nutrition, social protection, and early childhood development services to pregnant women, infants, and young children.

The consultation comes amid concerns over child stunting and nutritional deficiencies that can undermine children’s growth and development even before they enter school.

Data from the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute show that stunting affects 25.3 percent of Filipino children under five, or about one in four. The figure also marks the first recorded increase since 2015.

EDCOM 2 reported that stunting can begin as early as five months of age and worsen until around 25 months. Among children from the poorest households, stunting prevalence reaches 42 percent by this age, compared with 11 percent among those from the wealthiest families.

The commission also found that only 25 percent of Filipino children, particularly infants aged six to 12 months, meet recommended energy intake levels.

Learning conditions at home are another concern. According to EDCOM 2, fewer than half of households with young children have the basic learning resources needed to support early childhood development.

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark R. Yee said many learning gaps that become apparent in school begin long before children enter the classroom. He stressed the importance of ensuring that health and nutrition services are not only available but also accessible to the families that need them most.

The consultation builds on recommendations issued by EDCOM 2 in September to strengthen the delivery of First 1,000 Days services.

These include improving standards and monitoring for barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars, strengthening vaccination programs, and standardizing nutrition data and assessment tools.

The commission also recommended incorporating a dedicated First 1,000 Days component into the Seal of Good Local Governance and aligning PhilHealth accreditation standards and health benefit packages with the services required under the program.

NNC Executive Director Rodley Carza said the consultation would give the government an opportunity to gather valuable insights from those who implement and benefit from these programs.

Parents, caregivers, health and nutrition workers, child development workers, local officials, civil society organizations, academics, and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate.