Nutrition gaps to juvenile crimes: NNC Caraga tries to trace the link
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — “Anti-social behavior, depression, and frequent bad moods are among the traits that may be attributed to poor nutrition during a child’s early years,” said Dr. Niño Archie S. Labordo, regional nutrition program coordinator of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga.
Labordo was one of the resource speakers during the Kapihan sa PIA with the Caraga Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) on November 10, where discussions centered on child rights, protection, and the ongoing National Children’s Month (NCM) 2025 celebration.
This year’s NCM celebration highlights the country’s fight against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (OSAEC-CSAEM). This inspired the theme, “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata Ipaglaban” (End OSAEC-CSAEM: Fight for the Safety and Rights of the Child).
As the discussion touched on the topic of child perpetrators or children in conflict with the law (CICL), Labordo shared how the misbehavior of CICLs is physiologically related to poor nutrition during their formative years.
“The focus of our NCM theme this year is child protection. Crimes committed by children—and even adults—can also be traced to poor nutrition,” he pointed out.
Labordo emphasized that failure to meet a child’s nutritional requirements, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life, can lead to long-term consequences affecting both physical and mental development.
“From the time of conception, mothers must ensure that in the first 1,000 days of their child’s life—what we call the ‘golden period of opportunity’—they receive proper nutrition for both mother and child,” he added.
The NNC Caraga official outlined government nutrition interventions available in public health centers. These include free prenatal check-ups, distribution of 180 iron folic acid tablets per mother, and dietary supplementation. After childbirth, health workers strongly advocate exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months. Infants are also provided with vitamin A supplementation, micronutrient powder, and dietary support starting at six months of age.
“As we advocate for the protection of children, juvenile offenses and other crimes victimizing children could have been prevented if they are able to make sound decisions for themselves and for the community. But if in the early childhood years, which are crucial for their development, they are deprived of proper nutrition that was supposed to aid their growth, the impact will be more evident as they grow old,” he added.
In his discussion, Labordo also introduced to the audience Republic Act No. 11148 otherwise known as the ‘Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act (Health and Nutrition of the Mother and the Child Act).’
The Mag-Nanay Act recognizes a simple but powerful truth: the first 1,000 days of life—from conception until a child’s second birthday—are the most critical window for growth and development. During this period, a mother’s health and nutrition directly shape the future of her child. Malnutrition, stunting, or poor care in these early years can have lifelong consequences, affecting learning, productivity, and overall well-being.
The law was designed to ensure that mothers and children receive the care they need during this vital stage. It mandates government agencies, local government units, and communities to work together in providing integrated health and nutrition services. This includes prenatal check-ups, safe delivery, breastfeeding support, immunization, and proper nutrition programs for infants and toddlers. It also emphasizes education for families, so parents understand the importance of balanced diets, exclusive breastfeeding, and responsive caregiving.
As Caraga region marks National Children’s Month 2025, the call to action is clear: protecting children begins with safeguarding their health and nutrition from the very start. With laws like the Mag-Nanay Act and programs of the NNC, government agencies and communities are reminded that investing in the first 1,000 days of life is not only a matter of survival—it is the foundation for building a generation of resilient, responsible, and rights-protected Filipino children. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)