Cebu Partners with ZFF and DOH to Combat Child Stunting through Stronger Nutrition Governance
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Cebu Province is making progress in tackling child stunting, one of its most urgent public health challenges, collaborating with the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) and the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Central Visayas.
Following meetings with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Governor Pamela Baricuatro, Provincial Health Consultants Dr. Nikki Catalan, and Dr. Tristan Rebalde convened with the ZFF Nutrition team to explore strategic partnerships aimed at improving nutrition outcomes across the province.
The discussions focused on Cebu’s current nutrition situation and the critical need to strengthen local nutrition governance. Although the province is classified as having a medium level of public health significance based on stunting prevalence, it records one of the highest absolute numbers of stunted children in the country due to its large population. Poverty, food insecurity, and other social determinants continue to impede child nutrition improvements, making coordinated, systems-oriented interventions as urgent matters.
Photo above: PHO-ZFF partnership meeting last June 15, 2026 lays the groundwork for resilient local nutrition systems to combat child stunting in Cebu.
In response, both parties identified concrete opportunities to reinforce local nutrition committees and enhance multisectoral collaboration across provincial and municipal governments. Through its Bridging Leadership approach and proven governance frameworks, ZFF aims to help Cebu build more resilient local nutrition systems capable of delivering responsive and sustainable services for children and families.
Dr. Catalan underscored the importance of strengthening existing local nutrition structures, emphasizing that effective governance, leadership, and cross-sector cooperation are essential to addressing malnutrition’s complex root causes. She noted that ZFF’s technical expertise and leadership development programs can empower local government units to better coordinate nutrition planning, implementation, and accountability.
Complementing these efforts, the DOH-CHD Central Visayas has initiated a Memorandum of Agreement with several provinces, including Cebu, in partnership with ZFF. This collaboration seeks to advance Universal Health Care by embedding stronger nutrition governance into local health systems and promoting healthier, well-nourished families throughout the region.
As Cebu Province deepens its commitment to nutrition, this partnership marks a pivotal step toward creating resilient local systems that place children and families at the center of development.