The results of the “2011 Updating of the Nutritional Status of Children and Selected Population Groups” which was disseminated by the DOST Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) revealed good and alarming findings.

The survey revealed the decreased prevalence of underweight and wasting among under-five year old and school aged children compared to the results of the survey conducted in 2008.

However, it was noted that stunting among children and adolescents have increased. According to Dr. Jocelyn Juguan of the FNRI, 3 out of 10 under-five year old and school aged children in the Cordillera are stunted. Furthermore, 4 out of 10 adolescents are likewise stunted. The prevalence of stunting in CAR is considered very high in magnitude of severity or having >30-40% prevalence rate as per the World Health Organization standard.

The problem on undernutrition in the region was exacerbated by the persistent increase of overweight/obesity in all age groups. Nationwide, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is among the top five (5) regions in the country with high prevalence of overweight and obesity among infants and adults.

Convergence and strengthening of the nutrition programs implemented by the Local Government Units (LGUs), various government agencies and the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) are enjoined to address the existing malnutrition problem in the region.