Building Local Champions to End Stunting in Davao Oriental
News
Barangay health workers, nutrition scholars, municipal health staff, and community volunteers completed a three-day Training of Trainers for the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s Family Stunting Reduction (FaStR) Program in the Municipality of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. The training was conducted under the Nutrition Leadership and Equity Acceleration Program (NutriLEAP) partnership between ZFF and the Province of Davao Oriental.
A total of 40 Barangay Health Workers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars, together with 19 community volunteers from Compassion International, were equipped to serve as local trainers and facilitators. Their new role is to help families address the root causes of stunting using a family-centered approach that encourages positive behavior change.
Related article:
The FaStR Program is a practical coaching framework that helps frontline workers understand each household’s unique circumstances and guide families toward sustainable nutrition, health, and caregiving practices. Rather than focusing only on a child’s nutritional status, the program empowers families to identify their own barriers, strengthen healthy habits, and build long-term resilience.
Photo above: Over 50 frontline workers and volunteers are now trained as facilitators under ZFF’s FaStR Program equipped to coach families toward better health and nutrition.
Governor Generoso was chosen as a priority municipality because it continues to have one of the highest stunting rates in Davao Oriental. The strong leadership demonstrated by Mayor Juanito Inojales and his municipal team, along with their sense of urgency, inspired a shared commitment among the Provincial Government, Compassion International, and ZFF—showing that reducing stunting is a responsibility all share.
During the training, one Barangay Nutrition Scholar shared, “[FaStR] program is not about judging families but about holding their hand so they can stand on their own.” Together, we are building local champions who will help every child and every family thrive, one household at a time.