MANILA, Philippines — Malnutrition is so prevalent in the Philippines that many children suffer from stunting and moderate wasting. This means that they are not getting the nutrients they need for proper growth and development.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been working for several years to address these concerns, both for the children of our members and for our communities. And as these efforts grow, more children and their families see their lives improved.
In 2018, the First Presidency approved a program to address child malnutrition among members in developing countries. The Philippines was the first region to pilot the project in 2019. Since then, several stakes and districts have responded to this effort.
The Child Nutrition Program aims to assess the situation of the church’s infants and young children up to the age of five and develop interventions to bring everyone to a level of well-being. The program also aims to educate mothers and pregnant women about proper nutrition for themselves and their children.
Through this initiative, local church leaders can partner with government agencies and non-governmental organizations to educate families about the effects of malnutrition and help implement long-term solutions.
During testing at the stake center, doctors and health care workers weigh and measure each child. They talk to parents about how to incorporate more nutritious ingredients into their child’s diet and what to watch out for as their child grows.
Once a child has been diagnosed with malnutrition and a family has made a plan, local leaders and ministering brothers and sisters regularly check in with the child to see how things are going.
Through these regular check-ins and continued education about child nutrition, families can grow on the path to independence and, in turn, help others in the community.
More information about improved nutrition and resources for parents and leaders can be found by visiting caring.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and scrolling to the section titled “Caring for Children with Improved Nutrition.”
During one examination conducted at the Makati East Philippines Stake Center, Dr. Christine Barricter, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Bicutan Medical Center, met with both an expectant mother and a mother of a newborn baby.
“I am happy to be a part of this activity to check if mothers are healthy,” she said. “This is very helpful for pregnant women, as some people do not go for prenatal testing due to budget constraints.”
When the Pasay Philippines Stake held its first screening on April 18, stake leaders, nutritionists, doctors, and pediatricians from public and private clinics explained the program to groups and spent time meeting individually with parents and children.
The Philippine Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services Facebook page posted about the event: “Together, you are strengthening families and building a healthy future for your children. We thank you for your outstanding service and look forward to the next exciting phase.”
Similar sentiments were expressed on January 24, when the Caloocan Philippine Stake held its first review meeting.
“This is a truly important step forward in the care of our children and families,” the WSRS post said. “We strive for healthier children and stronger, more resilient communities.”
Care of women and children in the Filipino community
In addition to its efforts to care for the children of its members, the church also works with other organizations in the Philippines to improve the welfare of women and children in the broader community. This is part of the Church’s global effort for women and children, led by Relief Society, to which the Church has donated millions of dollars and brought together other nonprofit organizations around the world.
The initiative aims for the greatest impact possible by funding initiatives that celebrate the lives of women and children under five through maternal and newborn care, child nutrition initiatives, immunizations and education around the world.
On August 13, 2025, the church hosted a three-day child welfare conference workshop in Quezon City. Government leaders, health and nutrition experts, and humanitarian organizations reviewed ongoing efforts and strengthened collaboration on child nutrition and women’s health efforts across the country.
Elder William K. Jackson, a General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, thanked those in attendance for working with the Church and recognized the remarkable work that Church organizations are doing around the world.
“It’s really amazing and outstanding what people can accomplish if they put their mind to it,” he said.
Delegates, led by Helen Keller International Airport, Vitamin Angels, and the church, visited project sites across the Philippines and observed screenings in person.
On February 11, the Church and Helen Keller International launched an initiative called Resilient Roots to improve children’s nutrition during their first 1,000 days of life. The project, in collaboration with Quezon City, specifically focuses on community gardens to promote health, food security, and self-sufficiency.
In his remarks, President Wilfredo M. Estrada Jr., First Counselor in the Ormoc Philippines Stake Presidency, said, “When we look for the needs of others, humility follows. By helping families and children, we create a better future.”
A month later, local church leaders, Project HOPE, government officials, and the Department of Health met in Quezon City to promote a joint effort. The handover ceremony included nutritional supplies, health equipment, and community information tools aimed at strengthening maternal and child nutrition services in areas identified as having the greatest need.
Olive Esquibias of the Quezon City Health Department expressed gratitude to Project HOPE and the church for their support.
“Malnutrition continues to affect many vulnerable families,” Esquivias said. “These resources will strengthen health center programs and support community health workers on the front lines of child and maternal health.”
President Norman Tolentino, first counselor in the Philippines Quezon City Stake Presidency, recalled when Jesus fed five loaves and two fish to 5,000 people.
President Tolentino said, “Just as we have fed thousands with our small donations, together we can bless many lives.” “Through compassion, collaboration and service, we can continue to support families and communities.”
