In Central Visayas, while malnutrition rates among children under five experienced a percentage decline in 2025, stunting continues to pose a stubborn public health challenge, with 38,555 children still affected across the region. This persistent issue highlights the ongoing need for targeted interventions to address chronic malnutrition and its long-term impacts.
Stunting Rates Show Gradual Improvement
Data from the 2025 Operation Timbang Plus (OPT Plus) reveals that stunting, defined as low height-for-age and locally known as "putot," dropped to 6.26 percent. This marks a decrease from 6.7 percent in 2024 and 7.2 percent in 2023. Notably, these figures incorporate data from Negros Oriental and Siquijor, despite their recent administrative transition to the Negros Island Region, ensuring a comprehensive regional assessment.
Irreversible Impacts on Development
Despite the steady downward trend observed since 2019, Nasudi Soluta of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) 7 emphasized on Thursday, February 19, 2026, that these numbers remain a priority concern. The irreversible impact of chronic malnutrition on cognitive development and future productivity underscores the urgency of continued efforts to combat stunting in the region.
Regional Disparities in Stunting Prevalence
The data uncovers a stark contrast between urban centers and rural provinces. While urban areas generally report lower prevalence rates, Cebu Province accounts for nearly half of the region's stunted children, primarily due to its large population size. This disparity points to the need for tailored strategies that address the unique challenges faced by different communities within Central Visayas.
