The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), envisions a Cebu where every child is happy, healthy, and ready to reach their full potential by age five. This a goal closely tied to addressing the persistent issue of child malnutrition in the country. According to the latest data [2023 National Nutrition Survey, DOH – FNRI], 1 in every 5 children under five in the Philippines is stunted (23.6%), a condition often caused by chronic undernutrition during the most critical periods of growth and development.
One significant step toward building a stronger network that champions child growth and nutrition is RAFI’s participation in the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement. Sharing a common vision to end all forms of malnutrition, the Philippines has demonstrated its commitment through the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023–2028. This aligns seamlessly with RAFI’s advocacy for early childhood care and nutrition.
In the recent SUN Subnational Assembly, held on July 10, 2025, a multi-sectoral gathering of stakeholders and sector representatives—ranging from academe, business, civil society, development partners, and youth networks—convened to identify gaps, share opportunities, and foster collaborative solutions to fight malnutrition at the subnational level.
The assembly included a voting process to elect a convener and vice-convener, and an action planning workshop to create a shared agenda for tackling priority issues. Participants were tasked to identify key challenges, interventions, and commitments along with timelines and monitoring indicators—tailored according to their sectoral networks.
“We will map out key activities from the second half of 2025 through 2028 and commit both individual and organizational contributions to bring these plans to life,” said Dr. Parolita Mission, RN, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of the National Nutrition Council VII. “With strong commitments in place across the SUN Movement at the subnational level, we are well-positioned to meet our ambitious nutrition goals of ending or at least significantly reducing hunger and malnutrition in Central Visayas. This is our contribution to the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) and our country’s Sustainable Development Goals. With our shared vision, a clear roadmap, and strong collaboration, we can achieve more, showcasing the power of the SUN Movement.”
This initiative reflects a growing momentum in addressing nutrition as a collective responsibility, not only of government but of all sectors of society. Through active partnerships and sustained action, RAFI and the SUN Movement aim to build a future where no child is left behind due to malnutrition.
