Bohol shows improvements across 

all major nutrition indicators in 2026

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The Provincial Government of Bohol continues to combat malnutrition, with the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) coordinating interventions across local government units, national agencies, development partners and communities.

During the launch of the 2026 Nutrition Month celebration at the New Provincial Capitol, Provincial Nutrition Program Coordinator Glenda Grafilo presented a report on improved nutrition indicators among preschool children in the province.

“Based on the 2026 Operation Timbang Plus conducted from January to March, Bohol recorded a total of 88,675 preschool children below 5 years old who underwent weight and height assessment,” Grafilo said.

Results showed improvements across all major nutrition indicators compared with 2025.

Underweight prevalence declined from 2.54% to 2.32%, while stunting decreased from 5.63% to 5.24%. Wasting dropped from 0.89% to 0.68%, and overweight and obesity decreased from 1.86% to 1.77%.

Grafilo said among the province’s flagship nutrition initiatives is the P10-million Milk Feeding Program, which provided milk and fortified bread to 2,617 underweight and wasted children for 90 days to help improve their nutritional status.

The province also implements maternal and child nutrition services, micronutrient supplementation through Vitamin A and iron distribution, infant and young child feeding promotion, growth monitoring, nutrition education, food security initiatives, nutrition-in-emergencies programs, and other community-based interventions to reduce malnutrition and prevent overweight and obesity.

Support for Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) remains a priority through the provision of honoraria, capacity-development activities, regular meetings, and the annual BNS Summit.

Bohol’s monthlong nutrition campaign

As part of the 2026 Nutrition Month celebration, the PNC will distribute food packs on July 16, 20, 23, and 27 to 126 children ages 6 to 23 months in selected municipalities with a high prevalence of severe underweight and severe wasting.

A synchronized fruit-bearing tree-planting activity will be held on July 21 in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Municipal and Barangay Nutrition Committees, and Barangay Nutrition Scholars to promote food security and environmental conservation.

Nutrition and diet counseling sessions will be held on July 24 in selected municipalities with a high prevalence of overweight and obesity to encourage healthier eating habits and lifestyle changes.

The celebration will culminate on July 31 at the Bohol Cultural Center, with an awarding ceremony for outstanding participants.

This year’s celebration carries the national theme “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!”, aligned with the 2023-2028 overarching theme “Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat!”. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)