KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Philippines | March 19, 2026 — South Cotabato continues to show strong performance in child nutrition as the province recorded low rates of stunting and wasting, based on the 2025 Operation Timbang Plus (OPT+) report as of March 18, 2026.
Data revealed that only 2.68 percent of children aged 0–59 months are stunted, while 0.37 percent are affected by wasting, placing the province in a favorable position compared to national figures.
Health officials attribute this achievement to the consistent implementation of targeted nutrition programs by the provincial government. Among these are the Buntis Alagaan, Tamang Nutrisyon ay Kailangan (BATAK) program, which provides nutritional support to pregnant women at risk; Responsable nga Pagtatap kag Pagsagop, a feeding program with medical intervention for severely malnourished children; and Sagop Bata, which focuses on supplementary feeding for malnourished children aged 3 to 5 years old.
Liza Enamno, Nutrition Officer I, said these programs aim to address both chronic and acute forms of malnutrition.
“Stunting refers to impaired growth due to long-term nutritional deficiencies, and wasting, a form of acute malnutrition characterized by low weight for height, remain major public health concerns in the Philippines,” she said.
National data show that malnutrition continues to affect many Filipino children, with around 23.6 percent experiencing stunting and 5.6 percent suffering from wasting, highlighting the significance of local interventions.
Enamno stressed that malnutrition can impact a child’s physical growth, cognitive development, and long-term productivity, making early intervention critical.
“We have been working in improving our nutrition status. This the fruit of the work of our barangay nutrition scholars, municipal action officers, and municipal nutrition committees. They are the real heroes,” Enamno said.
In the last five years, South Cotabato provincial government unit is making innovations in its nutrition programs, partnerships and budget allocation to translate priority agenda of Governor Tamayo into victories.
South Cotabato’s performance demonstrates how sustained and community-based nutrition programs can significantly reduce malnutrition rates. Provincial efforts remain focused on early detection, proper nutrition, and continuous support for vulnerable groups to ensure healthier outcomes for children across the province.
