00:00Although it is the president's top wish and dreams to eliminate hunger completely,
00:04it is also his government's policy to ensure each and every Filipino, young and old,
00:09is properly nourished, healthy, and strong. Hence, he is at the forefront of a campaign
00:14with the Department of Health that Filipinos have healthy food options
00:17in their diet. Our Clazer Pardilla tells us more.
00:23Five-months-pregnant Honalyn is finding it difficult to meet or cover her daily expenses
00:28after losing her job. She can no longer afford medicine and has failed to secure
00:33her necessary vaccine for herself and her unborn child.
00:48Jeremy, on the other hand, works tirelessly to provide sufficient food and vitamins
00:53for his six-month-pregnant wife. He is determined to ensure their
00:56babies do not fall victim to the same health challenges their eldest endured
01:01growing up often ill.
01:20In response to these pressing issues, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. convened
01:24government agencies to prioritize the fight against malnutrition,
01:28a problem affecting millions of Filipinos. The president highlighted the critical importance
01:34of the first 1,000 days of a child's life from conception to their second birthday
01:39as a foundation for proper growth and development.
01:55So, to show three out of ten Filipino children under the age of five
02:13suffer from malnutrition, often rooted in inadequate nutrition during this crucial early stage.
02:24To address this, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. instructed the National Nutrition Council
02:33to lead comprehensive programs that ensure children's health and well-being.
02:38These initiatives include distributing free nutritious food, vitamins, vaccines,
02:43and providing regular health check-ups for mothers and children.
02:47By 2026, the government will adopt a convergent strategy for its nutrition budget,
02:53consolidating funds from various agencies to focus on a unified goal, eliminating malnutrition.
03:00Currently, the health department has allocated P500 million to support the first 1,000 days
03:06program. This budget is expected to grow significantly as government efforts intensify.
03:12High priority areas include provinces with alarming rates of malnutrition,
03:16such as Pangasinan, Isabela, Northern Samar, Bangsamoro, and other affected regions.
03:23Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to distribute
03:27P3,000 in monthly food stamps to the country's poorest families,
03:32aiming to elevate hunger and improve nutrition.
03:35Our target this year is to onboard and serve 300,000 household beneficiaries.
03:42We are about to achieve this. Partner, we have already onboarded 260,000 as of today.
03:48Khaleysal Pardilia, Balitang Pambansa.
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