by Ahikam Pasion
The province of Pangasinan has recorded the lowest stunting rate in the country at 1.95 percent, according to the latest results of the Department of Health–Ilocos Region’s (DOH-1) Operation Timbang Plus (OPT+).
The data indicate that the majority of children in the province are growing normally and are free from long-term nutritional deficiencies.
DOH Ilocos Region Director Paula Paz Sydiongco described the achievement as a significant milestone, attributing it to strong local leadership, active community participation, and sustained implementation of nutrition programs.
Stunting, caused by prolonged insufficient nutrition, can affect both physical and cognitive development in children. It has long been a national public health challenge, making Pangasinan’s results a notable success.
Operation Timbang Plus is a core DOH program that regularly weighs and measures children aged 0 to 5 years to identify those at risk of malnutrition and provide timely interventions.
Sydiongco explained that nutrition programs have been strengthened from barangay to municipal levels in Region I, enabling early identification and response to malnutrition cases. She added that the success reflects the dedication of health workers, local leaders, and families in prioritizing proper nutrition, particularly during a child’s first 1,000 days.
Other provinces with low stunting rates include Capiz (2.01%), Agusan del Norte (2.66%), Sarangani (2.75%), Misamis Oriental (2.86%), and Ilocos Sur (2.95%). La Union ranks tenth at 3.38 percent, while South Cotabato (2.95%), Laguna (3.06%), and Cotabato (3.28%) also recorded relatively low rates.
DOH emphasized that the region aims to maintain this achievement and ensure that no child is left behind in receiving adequate nutrition for healthy growth.