International Journal of Research Studies in Education
Special Luminary Issue
2025
Volume 14 Issue 4
Available Online: 20 February 2025
Author/s:
Libag, Ruth T.*
Pampanga State Agricultural University
Boleche, Clemente, O., Jr.
Cajucom, Evelyn B.
Cayanan, Monaliza M.
Padiernos, Christine Joy Ann V.
Hidalgo, Janet D.
Tuazon, Ma. Socorro C.
Dizon, Isabel M.
Villanueva, Sharmane Y.
Laranang, Katrina B.
Espiritu, Darlene Jane C.
Abstract:
The prevalence of stunting in the Philippines revealed that one in three Filipino children under five years old are stunted, which means they are too short for their age. A purposive sampling design using key informant interview was conducted among 60 parents of stunted children 0-5 years of age identified from the records taken from the Rural Health Unit of Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines. Demographic and Socio-economic status revealed that majority of the mothers are housewives and do not have their own income and rely only on the income from the other family members for their cost of living. Majority of their monthly family income falls below PhP 10,000 (less than 200 USD). Moreover, most of them do not have access to plant and animal food sources. The mean knowledge of the respondents on stunting and its risk factors is only moderate at 68.2%+SD 31.14. On the other hand, respondents have a high positive mean attitude towards eradicating stunting of 81.8% + SD 11.14. However, the score shows low participation of the respondents in the barangay activities which correlate with their low knowledge on Mean Dietary Diversity (MDD). This practice has to be addressed to increase the participation of the members of the community in eradicating stunting. Of the 49 children in the study, 45 are still within the underweight category and need to catch up with their BMIs (Basal Metabolic Index) through various nutritional intervention activities. The project held nutritional interventions like “Pinggang Pinoy para sa Pamilya”, “Gulayan sa Bakuran” and “Paggawa ng Fermented Plant/Fruit Juice (FPJ and FFJ)” during the first 1000 days in the life of a child were held highlighting the meal composition of the pregnant and lactating mothers and kids. Proper health education interventions are needed to improve on this aspect. Lastly, mothers and all other members of the family must be aware of the different laws and programs of the government and other agency that support development of healthy and active Filipino children. The need to plan properly as well as proper implementation, monitoring and evaluation are important to address this issue of stunting.
Keywords: stunting, nutritional interventions, children, Magalang Pampanga, Philippines, horizontal gardening, Filipino plate
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25831
Cite this article:
Libag, R. T., Boleche, C., O., Jr., Cajucom, E. B., Cayanan, M. M., Padiernos, C. J. A. V., Hidalgo, J. D., Tuazon, M. S. C., Dizon, I. M., Villanueva, S. Y., Laranang, K. B., & Espiritu, D. J. C. (2025). Nutritional interventions to address stunting among children from Barangay Sto Rosario in Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(4), 155-166. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25831
* Corresponding Author