National Nutrition Council (Philippines)
The National Nutrition Council (Philippines) is the policy-making and coordinating body of the Philippine government for nutrition. It is responsible for the formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN). The NNC serves as the highest policy-making and coordinating body on nutrition, composed of representatives from various government agencies, non-government organizations, and professional associations involved in nutrition and related fields.
The NNC was created on June 25, 1974, by Presidential Decree No. 491, which declared nutrition as a priority concern of the government. Its primary goal is to improve the nutritional status of Filipinos, particularly vulnerable groups such as infants, children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly.
The Council is governed by a Governing Board chaired by the Secretary of Health. Its members include the Secretaries or heads of the following agencies: Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, National Economic and Development Authority, and the Philippine Information Agency. Representatives from the private sector and non-government organizations also serve on the Governing Board.
The NNC’s mandate includes advocating for nutrition policies and programs, providing technical assistance to local government units and other stakeholders, mobilizing resources for nutrition interventions, and conducting nutrition surveillance and research. It also leads national advocacy campaigns to promote healthy eating habits and lifestyles.
The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), updated periodically, serves as the NNC’s strategic roadmap for addressing the country’s nutrition challenges. It outlines the goals, objectives, strategies, and activities for improving the nutritional status of Filipinos across different life stages. The PPAN aligns with national development goals and global commitments related to nutrition and sustainable development.