VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — Chronic undernutrition among children remains to be a pressing public health concern in the country as findings from the DOST-Food and Nutrition Institute (DOST-FNRI) 2025 Updating Survey reflect an increase in stunting rates among Filipino children. Stunting affected 25.3% of children aged 0-5 years old, up by 1.7% from 2023, and 18.9% of school-age children (5-10 years old) vs. 17.9% in 2023.
According to Nestlé Philippines Nutrition Advocacy Lead Ivy Sicat, stunting is not just being short of age. It also indicates insufficiency in the intake of nutrients to promote healthy development, both physically and cognitively, which can affect a child’s learning, productivity, and long-term opportunities. Across age groups, micronutrient deficiency affects more than 75% of the population.
“For Nestlé, we see this both as a responsibility and also as an opportunity,” said Sicat. “Responsibility because we are recognized as a nutrition, health and wellness company. At the same time, it is an opportunity for us to give back to the people who have been loyal to us.”
In 2025, Nestlé Philippines delivered 25 billion fortified servings, including its well-loved brands MILO, CHUCKIE, MAGGI, and BEAR BRAND. By providing science-based, fortified food and beverage options to consumers, Nestlé is helping them meet daily nutrition needs while complementing a balanced diet and active lifestyle.
Notably, Nestlé has been proactively reducing sugar in its products since 2017 and adding sugar-free and no added sugar variants in its portfolio. There is also 0% industrial trans fat in its products since 2014.
Beyond delivering nutritious products, Nestlé recognizes the importance of advocating for consumers to adopt healthier behaviors and build positive habits especially at a young age through the Nestlé Wellness Campus (NWC). Launched in 2013 in partnership with the Department of Education, NWC reaches 12 million Grade 1–10 students in 26,000 schools across 9 regions, making it the country’s largest nutrition education program. For SY 2025–2026, the program focuses on nutrition education modules, Dancercise, and competitions that integrate the 7 Healthy Habits into school programs.
“Guided by our purpose of unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, we are committed to supporting the nutrition, health, and wellness needs of Filipino families. We bring together our products, programs, research and development, and partnerships to help enable healthier, happier lives today and for generations to come,” said Jose Uy III, SVP and Head of Corporate Affairs of Nestlé Philippines.
