Dumaguete City hosted a meeting of the newly organized Regional Nutrition Committee for the Negros Island Region (RNC-NIR) on October 15, 2026, as government agencies strengthen their efforts to address child stunting and other nutrition concerns. The meeting comes after the 2025 survey of the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) showed continuing nutrition challenges in the region, highlighting the need for stronger coordination among government agencies and development partners.
Strengthening Regional Nutrition Governance
The National Nutrition Council is promoting a multisectoral approach to improve nutrition outcomes across the Negros Island Region. The strategy brings together government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and development partners to support more coordinated nutrition programs. During the meeting in Dumaguete, participants discussed the importance of shared responsibility and stronger collaboration in responding to nutrition concerns, particularly those affecting children. Department of Health–Negros Island Region Assistant Regional Director Adrian Hort Ramos presided over the meeting and emphasized that improving nutrition requires a whole-of-society effort.
Addressing Child Stunting in Negros Island Region
Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Dr. Niño Archie Labordo reported that child stunting remains a major concern in the region, affecting 30.9 percent of children and ranking as the third-highest rate in the country. Stunting is a form of chronic undernutrition associated with low height for a child's age. Addressing it requires sustained efforts that support children's nutrition, health, and development. The reported figure underscores the importance of strengthening nutrition programs and ensuring that interventions reach children and families who need support.
Encouraging Stronger LGU Participation
Local government units play an important role in implementing nutrition initiatives within their communities. Through coordination with regional agencies, LGUs can help improve the delivery of nutrition services, support community-based programs, and identify local needs.
The Regional Nutrition Committee provides a platform for agencies and partners to coordinate their efforts, share responsibilities, and work toward common nutrition goals.
Labordo emphasized the need for urgent and sustained action among government agencies and LGUs to address the region's nutrition challenges.
