3.6 mln Filipino children stunted due to malnutrition

Some 3.6 million children were stunted in the Philippines due to malnutrition, according to a report released by the non-governmental organization (NGO) "Save the Children" on Thursday.

"Among its neighboring countries in Southeast Asian region, only the Philippines recorded significant level of wasted children. Moderate or severe wasting in the Philippines was estimated at eight percent in 2013. This translates to about 769,000," said the report.

According to the report, one in three Filipino children suffers from stunted growth, an indicator of chronic malnutrition.

It also suggests that despite progress in reducing child deaths, slow and unequal progress in curbing child malnutrition and stunting rates is likely to undermine efforts to reduce poverty and stall economic growth.

"The assumption has always been that Filipinos are just genetically short but what we actually see now are generations of stunted and malnourished children," said Dr. Amado Parawan, Save the Children's Health and Nutrition advisor.

"Because 'shortness' is considered a racial trait, it is not seen as a serious concern. Stunting is more than just being short, it impacts children's future because it hinders physical and mental growth," he added.

The NGO has called on the Philippine government, civil society, donors and the public to tackle the country's malnutrition crisis. Endi