Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concern expressed alarm over the rising number of stunted children aged 5 years and below.
According to a study by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute, from April 23, 2025 to March 31, 2026, 25 out of every 100 children (or 1 in every 4) aged 5 years and below are too short for their age as a result of growth stunting by inadequate nutrition (chronic malnutrition).
“Alarming but not surprising… a child’s condition only reflects what their family is going through. With their parents’ low wages and inflation, how can children eat nutritious food?” Salinlahi spokesperson Trixie Manalo said.
The group said raising the quality of life of Filipino families can end malnutrition and stunting among children. This can only be achieved if the basic demands of farmers for land are addressed and the local economy is developed through national industrialization.
“The largest number of children are found in peasant and worker families. This compels us to support the struggle for land, a living wage, and rights,” Manalo explained.
