Senator Risa Hontiveros called for major structural reforms to address the country’s continuing nutrition crisis, saying stronger leadership and accountability are needed to ensure that nutrition programs reach more Filipinos.

During the Senate Committee on Health and Demography hearing on Tuesday, July 28, Hontiveros said the current nutrition system remains fragmented, with government agencies implementing separate programs without a unified direction. She noted that the National Nutrition Council currently lacks sufficient enforcement authority to effectively coordinate and ensure compliance among concerned agencies.

To address these gaps, Hontiveros pushed for the creation of a National Nutrition Commission that would serve as the central body responsible for policy direction, coordination, and accountability in the country’s nutrition efforts.

She also proposed establishing dedicated nutrition offices in every province, city, and municipality to provide sustained services and strengthen local implementation of nutrition programs.

“Ang wastong nutrisyon ay hindi kawang-gawa. Karapatan ito. At ang tunay na sukatan ng batas na ito ay hindi ang bagong pangalan ng ahensya o dami ng bagong posisyon," Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros emphasized that addressing malnutrition requires moving beyond temporary assistance and toward a rights-based approach focused on long-term solutions.

"Ang sukatan ay kung mas kaunti ang batang nagugutom, mas malusog ang mga pamilya, mas naaabot ang mga komunidad, at mas suportado ang ating nutrition workers. Mula sa selebrasyon, tungo tayo sa seryosong pagpapatupad. Mula sa pangako, tungo tayo sa pananagutan,” she added.

The senator stressed that reforms should prioritize reducing child hunger, improving family health outcomes, expanding community access to nutrition services, and providing stronger support for nutrition workers nationwide.