President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed the Department of Health (DOH) and other relevant government agencies to strengthen the drive of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to address the so-called “triple burden of malnutrition” in the Philippines.

The triple burden of malnutrition refers to undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency, and overnutrition.

The Global Burden of Disease 2021 report revealed that dietary risks and malnutrition are the top and leading contributors to the burden of disease in the country.

During a sectoral meeting held in Malacañang, President Marcos emphasized the need for national-level intervention to support local government units (LGUs) through an invigorated NNC in addressing malnutrition nationwide.

President Marcos said the NNC could help provide crucial assistance to LGUs.

“The performance at the LGU level is highly inconsistent. I know mayors and governors who are really passionate about healthcare. I know so many more others that really don’t think about it,” President Marcos said.

“That’s why, we actually have to do it ourselves at the national level. That’s why, I think we should put a little more activity under NNC. And, hopefully we will find local government executives that are good and have this as a priority. But those that do not, we can come in and assist them,” he added.

During a Palace briefing, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the NNC was established in 1974 through Presidential Decree 491 under the administration of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

The NNC, a multi-agency strategic council, was created to combat malnutrition in the Philippines. It is chaired by the Department of Health, and vice chaired by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). | PND