CEBU Governor Pamela Baricuatro has pledged to make nutrition, food security and improved medical services the top priorities of her administration after data showed Cebuano children suffer from malnutrition at rates higher than the national average.
Baricuatro made the commitment during a meeting with officials from the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 7, according to a statement issued by the Cebu Provincial Information Office on Sunday, July 25, 2025.
She said her administration will increase financial support for barangay nutrition scholars, who assist in delivering nutrition services at the community level.
NNC Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Parolita Mission said 28.6 percent of school-aged children in Cebu province ages 5 to 10 are underweight, exceeding the national average of 26 percent. Stunting in the same age group is also higher in Cebu at 29.6 percent, compared to the national average of 25.2 percent.
Mission said the Provincial Nutrition Committee, chaired by the governor, had not been a priority under the previous administration. She said there was no fully operational provincial nutrition office and no dedicated personnel to oversee nutrition-related programs.
Cebu set aside a P100 million budget for its provincial nutrition program in 2024, but Mission said the funds were not used. The proposed budget for 2025 was also not approved.
Baricuatro said her administration is now addressing these issues, beginning with greater support for barangay nutrition workers. Details on the planned increase in financial assistance, other initiatives under the governor’s nutrition and food security agenda, and a timeline for the reforms have not yet been announced.
The previous administration has not issued a statement on allegations of program neglect and budget inaction.
Baricuatro’s pledge marks a shift in direction for the province’s approach to nutrition and health services. (CDF)