MISAMIS ORIENTAL — In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where one in every three children is stunted, health officials are urging families to protect the first 1,000 days of a child’s life — a crucial period they say could determine a child’s future.

The region formally launched its 2026 Nutrition Month celebration on 7 July, rallying communities to combat the country’s highest child stunting rate while highlighting the link between proper nutrition, environmental protection and long-term health.

Led by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in partnership with the Marawi City government, this year’s campaign carries the theme “Nutrisyon at Kalikasan Ating Pangalagaan,” emphasizing that healthy children depend not only on proper feeding but also on sustainable food systems and a healthy environment.

Health Minister Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding Jr. cited the latest Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI-DoST) survey, which showed that 33.6 percent of children in BARMM are stunted.

“Stunting is not just about short stature. It affects brain development, learning ability and a child’s lifelong potential,” Sinolinding said. “This remains our biggest public health challenge, and we must act decisively.”

He stressed that the period from conception until a child’s second birthday is the “golden window” for growth and development. During this stage, he urged expectant mothers to complete prenatal checkups, give birth in health facilities with skilled attendants, practice exclusive breastfeeding, and provide nutritious, locally available complementary food after six months.

“Nothing equals a mother’s milk. It remains the best source of nutrition for infants,” he said.

Marawi City Health Officer Dr. Ali Dalidig encouraged families to make healthier food choices, saying nutritious meals need not be expensive if local food resources are maximized.

Representing Mayor Shariff Zain L. Gandamra, City Administrator Atty. Ombra C. Gandamra said good nutrition is a basic right and called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, local governments and communities.

To strengthen its nutrition program, BARMM increased its nutrition budget by P30 million, bringing the total allocation to P50 million, and deployed 2,600 community nutrition workers to expand services in far-flung communities.

The region’s interventions include prenatal care, vitamin supplementation, deworming, treatment of malnutrition and school-based feeding programs, supported by the newly established Bangsamoro Nutrition Commission and the regional Food and Nutrition Plan.

Sinolinding also underscored the connection between nutrition and environmental protection.