Manila: The Dinagat Islands provincial government is taking necessary actions in response to the high number of underweight and overweight children. During a meeting with nutrition officers, program coordinators, and barangay nutrition heads on Monday, the Provincial Nutrition Committee reported Dinagat Islands ranked in the Top 8 for underweight and Top 5 for overweight among children nationwide.

According to Philippines News Agency, the data is based on the results of the Nutrition Timbang Plus as of March 26, 2025, showing that the province had an underweight-for-age rate of 7.19 percent, including stunting and wasting cases, and a prevalent overweight and obesity rate of 4.21 percent. Governor Nilo Demerey, in a message to the Philippine News Agency, stated that programs are already in place in response to the situation, emphasizing that the impacts of these responses are not easily met in a short period of time.

Among the existing programs are innovations in the feeding program, the full implementation of the Malunggay Executive Order, nutrition classes for mothers, and regular nutrition campaigns at the barangay level. Demerey highlighted that these nutrition programs and innovations were initiated only about two years ago, with upcoming programs planned for funding this year.

The governor also emphasized the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 08-01 issued by his office on Aug. 4, 2025, which requires couples applying for marriage licenses to plant at least one malunggay tree. The EO identified malunggay as a superfood rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that greatly support family nutrition and health.

Demerey mentioned future plans to explore food innovations like malunggay ice candy and other nutritious foods for school children once the province has a plentiful supply of malunggay. He also noted that poverty is the root cause of malnutrition and that the provincial government is making a holistic approach to combat it.