President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on local government units (LGUs) to include health and nutritional initiatives in their annual investment plan.

Marcos made the call, as he stressed the LGU’s crucial role in addressing the malnutrition in the country.

“It is essential that adequate health and nutrition interventions are integrated into the annual investment plan of each local government unit,” he said during the 2024 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Ortigas Center, Quezon City.

“Investing in human capital is the key to securing our nation’s future. Therefore, let us intensify our commitment of breaking the cycle of intergenerational malnutrition by looking after the welfare of our people, especially pregnant women, mothers, and their children,” he added.

Marcos said he had also directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure that healthcare and nutrition are included as priority indicators in the Seal of Good Local Governance.

Marcos issued the directive following his “in-depth” discussion with the DILG on Tuesday on the importance of addressing stunting and nutritional issues to strengthen the Filipino children’s foundation and allow them to succeed in education and have a better future.

Marcos said malnutrition and stunting start at a very young age and are “very difficult to reverse, if actually possible.”

“The national government is not alone in this fight. Through the support and corresponding efforts of our local governments and their chief executives, we can achieve more and cover more ground in this fight that we have started,” he said.

During the event, Marcos recognized the high-performing LGUs and local nutrition focal points (LNFP) with outstanding nutrition program management practices.

Spearheaded by the National Nutrition Council since 1978, the LGU awardees were assessed based on how they enact policies, allocate budgets, implement and sustain effective nutrition programs.

The LNFP awardees, composed of LGU workers who oversee the coordination and management of nutrition programs, were evaluated based on their capability to coordinate, manage and advocate nutrition initiatives.

The LNFP became part of the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony in 2021 because of its key role in improving nutrition in their respective areas. (PNA)