Kalinga PHB endorses nutrition ordinance as chronic malnutrition remains a concern

Tanudan recorded the highest stunting prevalence at 15.76 percent, followed by Lubuagan at 14.41 percent. Meanwhile, underweight remains a concern in Rizal and Pinukpuk, which recorded prevalence rates of 3.70 percent and 3.64 percent, respectively.

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Kalinga Provincial Health Board (PHB) approved on September 4, 2026 a resolution endorsing a proposed ordinance that seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive, province-wide nutrition program to strengthen efforts against malnutrition and improve the nutritional well-being of iKalinga residents.

The approval was made during a meeting attended by Governor James S. Edduba, Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Edward Tandingan, and Board Member Alfredo K. Dangani, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Health.

The proposed ordinance aims to provide a clear policy framework for nutrition programs and ensure sustained support for communities, particularly vulnerable groups.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition refers to deficiencies or excesses in nutrient intake, imbalances in essential nutrients, or impaired nutrient utilization. It includes both undernutrition and overweight and obesity, as well as diet-related noncommunicable diseases.

Undernutrition may manifest in four broad forms: wasting, stunting, underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies.

Nutrition challenges remain

Data from the 2024 Operation Timbang Plus (OPT Plus) showed continuing nutrition challenges in Kalinga. The province recorded an overall 80.80 percent coverage, with 20,278 children measured.

Several municipalities posted coverage below 80 percent, including Pasil at 69.59 percent, Tanudan at 73.26 percent, Tinglayan at 75.96 percent, Lubuagan at 78.86 percent, and Pinukpuk at 79.62 percent.

The results point to the need to further strengthen community-based growth monitoring and the use of nutrition information in planning and implementing appropriate interventions.

Provincial electronic OPT Plus data also showed that chronic malnutrition remains a concern in the province. Tanudan recorded the highest stunting prevalence at 15.76 percent, followed by Lubuagan at 14.41 percent.

Meanwhile, underweight remains a concern in Rizal and Pinukpuk, which recorded prevalence rates of 3.70 percent and 3.64 percent, respectively.

Institutionalizing nutrition efforts

In an interview with GURU Press, OPHO Provincial Nutrition Coordinator Kristal Gail Dacio said the proposed ordinance seeks to strengthen existing nutrition programs and provide clear direction for sustained interventions.

“This ordinance is intended to strengthen our nutrition programs, provide clear policy direction, and ensure sustained support for the nutritional well-being of our communities, particularly our vulnerable groups. We hope to institutionalize our nutrition initiatives and strengthen the commitment of our local government in addressing malnutrition and promoting a healthier Province of Kalinga,” Dacio said.

Dacio said institutionalizing the province-wide nutrition program would help ensure that nutrition initiatives remain a sustained priority of the local government rather than being implemented only through short-term activities.

If approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, implementation of the proposed ordinance will require coordination among provincial and local government offices, communities and other stakeholders to ensure the continued delivery of nutrition interventions throughout Kalinga.

The proposed measure underscores the province’s effort to address malnutrition through sustained programs, stronger monitoring and coordinated action, particularly among children and other vulnerable sectors.