Philippines faces alarming rise in child stunting after decade of progress

Malnutrition remains a pressing issue in the Philippines, with rising stunting rates among young children. A recent report shows one in four children under five now suffers from stunting, marking the first increase since 2015. Stunting among Filipino children below five reached 25.3 per cent in 2025. This represents a 1.7 per cent rise from 2023, reversing a decade-long decline. The problem is more severe in rural areas, where 27.8 per cent of children are affected, compared to 23.2 per cent in urban zones.

Certain regions face even higher rates. Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has the highest stunting rate at 36 per cent. Zamboanga Peninsula follows at 34.6 per cent, with Negros Island Region at 30.9 per cent and Mimaropa at 30.3 per cent.

Malnutrition does not end in early childhood. Among children aged five to ten, 18.9 per cent are undernourished, while 18.6 per cent of school-age children are underweight. Adolescents are also affected, with 21.4 per cent facing nutritional deficits. Pregnant women show similar risks, with 16.7 per cent nutritionally at risk, a figure that jumps to 40 per cent among those under 20.

Food insecurity compounds the issue, affecting 32.6 per cent of individuals. Many households rely on buying food on credit or borrowing from relatives to cope. The latest data highlights a worsening trend in child malnutrition. Stunting rates have risen for the first time since 2015, with regional disparities and food insecurity deepening the challenge. The figures underscore the need for targeted interventions, particularly in high-risk areas and age groups.