I agree on this quote. Proper nutrition starting pre- and early childhood significantly improves quality of life. It manifests on how children can be supported with their biological needs on growth and development. Good nutrition promotes prevention and protection from disease, positive mood and wellbeing, and attainment of optimal abilities. It is a foundation of a quality life in the sense that beyond health maintenance and resilience, nutrition has a huge long-term impact on children’s educational and employment opportunities and on a wider perspective, the society’s economic development.
In our country, it is a known fact that poverty is the major cause of undernutrition among children. Poverty is a persisting issue, and undernutrition of the impoverished would only sustain the complex cycle of poverty and its multiple other sequelae, such as crime and health systems burden.
The need for strengthening policies and development initiatives cannot be overemphasized to secure our country’s future. A detailed report on undernutrition in the Philippines similarly emphasized the enormous role of the government and various organizations (Mbuya et al., 2021). Addressing poverty and undernutrition requires good leadership in all levels of state, and it is always our hope that present and future leaders would gain commitment, support, and wisdom in this extreme challenge. As ordinary citizens, we are called to get involved in local and sectoral efforts to improve nutrition through feeding programs, health education and promotion, financing, other volunteer activities, and active democratic participation.
Reference:
Mbuya, N. V., Demombynes, G., Piza, S. F. A., & Adona, A. J. V. (2021). Undernutrition in the Philippines: Scale, scope, and opportunities for nutrition policy and programming. World Bank Publications.