₱9.5-Million Nutrition Facility Turned Over in Dalaguete to Combat Child Malnutrition

The local government of Dalaguete, Cebu, recently received the turn over of the Ri-Mo food production facility, a centerpiece of the ₱9.5-million community-based nutrition project supported under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s administration. This initiative aims to significantly improve child nutrition by supporting feeding programs across local daycares and promoting sustainable food production.

The Ri-Mo facility will serve as the hub for processing and distributing nutritious meals aligned with the day-to-day needs of children enrolled in daycare centers. More than just meal preparation, the project integrates skills development and sustainable backyard gardening, enabling households to grow their own nutrient-rich produce.

"This project responds to the urgent need to combat child malnutrition and stunting in our communities," said a local official involved in the program. "By empowering families with knowledge and resources, we lay the groundwork for healthier children and a stronger future generation."

Child malnutrition and stunting have long been challenges in rural communities such as Dalaguete, where economic constraints and limited access to nutritious food hinder child development. The project’s comprehensive approach aligns directly with President Marcos Jr.'s Maasahan at Masipag social agenda, which emphasizes reliability and industriousness as pillars of inclusive growth.

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, a representative from the National Nutrition Council remarked, "This effort exemplifies the administration's commitment to its long-term human capital strategy, ensuring that every Filipino child receives reliable nourishment and tireless care."

President Marcos Jr. has been championing children’s welfare, echoing the message: "Reliable nourishment. Tireless care. A healthier start for every Filipino child." The Dalaguete project embodies this philosophy by turning nutrition programs into sustainable, community-driven undertakings.

With the Ri-Mo food production facility operational, daycares in Dalaguete can enhance their feeding programs, providing consistent and well-balanced meals. Concurrently, backyard gardening workshops have started to proliferate, empowering families to supplement their food intake with home-grown vegetables and fruits.

The multipronged approach not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also fosters resilience, self-sufficiency, and community engagement. This initiative highlights how government programs can create lasting impact by integrating infrastructure, education, and local participation—a hallmark of the administration’s people-centered governance.

As Dalaguete sets an example, similar projects are expected to be implemented across other provinces, furthering the national goal of stamping out child malnutrition and stunting across the Philippines. The ₱9.5-million investment stands as a testament to the administration’s unwavering resolve to nurture the health and growth of the nation’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens.