HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HousEBILLNo.9568
RECEIVED
DATE |ONOvrm    €
T `,:..E JQ '.}P9fr
Introduced by Representative Hon. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez
AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE  NATIONAL NUTRITION  COUNCIL  REPEALING  FOR
THIS    PURPOSE    PRESIDENTIAL   DECREE    NO.    491,    ENTITLED    "CREATING   A
NATIONAL  NUTRITION  COUNCIL  AND  FOR  OTHER  PURPOSES",  EXPANDING  ITS
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS AS A COMMISSION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The need for updated, comprehensive, and effective legislation addressing nutrition and
food  concerns  in  our nation  cannot be  overstated.  Proper  nutrition  is  a  fundamental
human  right,  crucial  for  the  overall  well-being  and  development  of individuals  and
society as a whole. This proposed bill aims to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive
and dynamic approach to tackle these critical issues, thus safeguarding the right to good
nutrition, eradicating hunger, and fortifying food security for every Filipino.
The key objectives of this proposed legislation are to create a comprehensive and multi-
sectoral  national  program  on  nutrition,  coordinate  and  monitor  its  implementation,
providetechnicalassistancetostakeholders,establishasystemfornutritionsurveillance,
and  ensure  the  efficient  allocation  of public  funds  for  nutrition  and  food  initiatives.
Additionally,   this   bill   aims   to   promote   public   awareness,   support   research   and
development, and  establish  partnerships with various  sectors to improve  nutrition  in
underprivileged communities.
This House Bill envisions a Philippines where every citizen has access to quality nutrition,
where hunger and malnutrition are eradicated, and where the overall quality of life is
improved through enhanced nutrition.
Approved,


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUsEB|LLNo.9566
Introduced by Representative Hon. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez
AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE  NATIONAL NUTRITION  COUNCIL  REPEALING  FOR
THIS    PURPOSE    PRESIDENTIAL    DECREE   NO.    491,    ENTITLED    "CREATING   A
NATIONAL  NUTRITION  COUNCIL  AND  FOR  OTHER  PURPOSES",  EXPANDING  ITS
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS AS A COMMISSION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be  it enacted  by the  Senate  and  House  of Representatives  of the  Philippine  Congress
Assembled:
Section 1. Srior£ T]tJe. -This Act shall be known as the "Nutrition Act of 2023".
Sec. 2. DecJara£I.on o/Poll.cj;. -It is the declared policy of the State to secure the right to
health   and   nutrition   for   every   Filipino.   The   State,   recognizing   its   international
commitments under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women, affirms its dedication to advancing the nation's
healthcare  sector  and  social  protection  programs.  The  State,  in  its  pursuit  of these
objectives, vows to provide access to quality nutrition for all citizens, establish robust
food security measures to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, enhance overall quality of
life through improved nutrition, and foster collaboration among government branches,
local   units,   non-government  organizations,   and   the   privatei  sector   to   ensure   the
betterment of human health and well-being.
Sec. 3. Deflm.fi.on o/Terms. -For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined
as follows:
(a) IVz/£rlt].on refers to the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary
for health and growth.
(b) Mcrinufriti.on refers to a condition resulting from inadequate or imbalanced
nutrition, which may occur due to insufficient food consumption, improper
dietary  choices,   or  the   body's   inability  to   utilize   ingested   nutrients
effectively.


(c)  Hz//iger refers to the state experienced by an individual whose regular food
intake consistently fails to meet their minimum energy requirements, often
leading to nutritional deficiencies.
(d) Food  Sect/n.ty  refers  to  a  condition  in  which  individuals,  families,  and
communities, possess both the physical and economic means to access a
sufficient quantity of safe and nutritious food that aligns with their dietary
requirements  and  preferences,  thus  enabling  them  to  lead  active  and
healthy lives.
(e) Multi-sectoral National Program, i.e. Philippine Plan of Action fior Nutrition
rpp4Ivj  refers  to  a  comprehensive  and  coordinated  plan  of action  that
involves collaboration and participation from various sectors, both public
and private, to  develop and implement policies, programs, activities, and
projects with the overarching goal of ensuring good nutrition, eradicating
hunger, and establishing food security across the nation.
(I)  IVwfrit[.on  Chcr/7]pi.ons refer to  individuals  or organizations  recognized  for
their  exceptional  dedication  and  contributions  to  the  promotion  and
advancement of nutrition-related initiatives in the Philippines. Criteria for
being   designated    as   nutrition   champions   include   a   demonstrated
commitment to improving nutrition, a record of significant contributions
to nutrition programs or policies, and a positive impact on the well-being
of the general public, particularly in the areas  of good nutrition, hunger
eradication, and food security.
(g) Soci.cr/  Protecfz.o/1  Progrcrms  refer  to  a  set  of government  initiatives  and
policies designed to address and alleviate socio-economic vulnerabilities
related  to   nutrition.  These   programs   encompass   measures   aimed   at
ensuring   that   all    citizens,    especially   those    facing   food    insecurity,
malnutrition, or limited access to nutritious food, receive essential support.
They  may  include,  but  are  not limited  to,  schemes  for  food  assistance,
nutrition education, and healthcare services, with the overarching goal of
improving  nutrition  outcomes,  reducing  hunger,  and  enhancing  overall
well-being among vulnerable populations.
Sec  4.  j]encrmz.r]g  o/ £J]e  IVcr£].o/icrJ  IVz/£r]ti`on  CouncI.J.  -  The  National  Nutrition  Council,
established under Presidential Decree No. 491, shall be renamed as the National Nutrition
Commission, which shall be attached to the Office of the President for general direction
and coordination.
See.  5.  Composition   of  the  Commission,  Appointment,   and   Term  of  Office.   -  The
Commission   shall   be   the   primary  policy-making,   coordinating,   implementing,   and
advisory body on nutrition and food concerns. It shall be headed by a Chairperson with
the   rank   of   Cabinet   Secretary   and   two    (2)    Commissioners   with   the   rank   of
Undersecretary. They must be citizens of the Philippines, with considerable exposure to
food security, good nutrition promotion, and mitigation of hunger, and malnutrition, at


least thirty (35) years of age, and of good moral character. At least one (1) of them must
be duly licensed to practice Medicine in the Philippines,
They shall be appointed by the President for a term of six years with one reappointment
and  shall  be  entitled  to  retirement benefits  provided  under  Republic  Act  Numbered
Fifteen Hundred and Sixty-Eight, as amended by Republic Act Numbered Three Thousand
Five  Hundred  and   Ninety-Five.  Appointments  to  a  vacancy  that  occurs  before  the
expiration of the term of a Chairperson or Commissioner shall cover only the unexpired
term of the immediate predecessor. At the expiration of the term of the Chairperson or in
case  of vacancy, the  most senior  of the  Commissioners shall temporarily assume  and
perform the duties and functions of the Chairperson until a permanent Chairperson is
appointed by the  President, The  Chairperson  and the  Commissioners shall  hold  office
until their successors are appointed.
Sec.  6,  j4ppoJ.7ifment  o/ O/fccrs  cmd  Emp/eyees.  -  The  Commission  shall  exercise  its
authority to appoint its officers and employees in strict compliance with the provisions
of the Civil Service law, rules, and regulations, ensuring adherence to established merit-
based principles and procedures.
See. 7 . Powers, Functions, and Responsibilities of the commission -rme powers, funchons,
and responsibilities of the Commission are as follows:
1.   To   formulate   an   integrated   and   multi-sectoral   national   program   on
nutrition, encompassing policies, programs, activities, and projects aimed
at ensuring good nutrition, eliminating hunger, and ensuring food security.
2.   To supervise, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of its
programs,   projects,   and   activities   undertaken   by   all   agencies   and
instrumentalities of both the government and  private sector concerning
nutrition and food.
3.   To coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Council  and  Department  of  Social  Welfare  and  Development  to  ensure
proper nutrition and food during emergencies and disasters.
4.   To provide technical assistance to increase competencies and capabilities
of  stakeholders   and   health   workers   through   the   conduct   of  public
education, capacity building, skills development, and advocacy.
5.   To  establish  a  continuing  program  for  information  dissemination  and
awareness regarding nutrition and food concerns.
6,   To  create and  maintain  a  system  for nutrition surveillance with  gender
perspective.
7.   To   coordinate   the   release   of  public  funds   for  nutrition   and   food  in
accordance with the approved projects, activities, and programs.
8.   To coordinate all requests for loans and grants by the government agencies
involved in the nutrition and food program.


9.   To provide monetary and non-monetary incentives to nutrition champions
by establishing rewards and recognition system.
10.To    call    on    any    department,    bureau,    office,    agency    and    other
instrumentalities of the government for assistance in the form of personnel,
facilities and resources as the need arises.
11. To conduct research, studies, and assessments on the nutritional status of
the general public and recommend evidence-based policies and programs
for improvement.
12. To establish and maintain a comprehensive database on nutrition-related
information,  including  statistics,  research  findings,  and  best  practices,
accessible to government agencies, researchers, and the public,
13. To  promote  and  support  public  awareness  campaigns  and  educational
initiatives  aimed  at  improving  nutrition,  including  collaborating  with
educational institutions and community organizations.
14. To develop and implement guidelines and standards for food fortification,
dietary supplementation, and nutrition labeling, following internationally
recognized best practices.
15. To liaise with international organizations, foreign governments, and non-
governmental organizations for the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and
resources in the field of nutrition.
16. To recommend legislative amendments and policy enhancements related
to nutrition and public health to relevant government bodies.
17. To  allocate  and  disburse funds  for research  and  development initiatives
aimed  at addressing  nutrition-related  challenges  and  finding  innovative
solutions.
18.To  ensure  the  provision  of  free  nutritious  meals  in  public  elementary
schools, with a specific focus on serving underprivileged communities.
19.To  perform  such  other  functions  and  duties  as  may  be  necessary  or
incidental to the achievement of the objectives of this Act.
Sec. 8. Provisi`o7icrJ Members and Lz'nkcrgcs.  -The Commission, upon call, shall have the
support, assistance, and coordination of the following provisional members:
1. Undersecretaries of the following government bodies:
a)   Department of Health
b)   Department of Agriculture
c)   Department of the Interior and Local Government
d)   Department of Education
e)   Department of social welfare and Development
f)    Department of Trade and Industry
g)   Department of Labor and Employment
h)   Department of science and Technology
i)    DepartmentofBudgetand Management
j)    National Economic and DevelopmentAuthority


2. Presidents of the Leagues of Local Government Units:
a)   League of provinces
b)   League of cities
c)    League of Municipalities
d)   Liga ng mga Barangay
3.  Maximum  of three  (3)  representatives from  any of the  following private
sector:
a)       Health and nutrition professional organizations
b)      farmerandfisherfolk
c)      women
d)      children
e)       urbanpoor
f)       foodmanufacturing
g)      academe and research institutions
h)      organization   or   association   of   community   health   workers   or
barangay nutrition scholars
i)        non-government organizations
The  Commission  and  the  provisional  members  shall  sit  en  banc  for  the  purpose  of
approving the PPAN and for other purpose as may be determined by the Chairperson.
The  provisional  members  shall  have  the  honoraria  of or  5%  of their respective  basic
salaries, whichever is higher per meeting. "
See. 9. Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN). -The Commissior\ she+i devctop aLnd
formulate  a  ten-year  multi-sectoral  and  integrated  national  nutrition  plan  of action,
aligned   with   the   Philippine   Development   Plan.   The   PPAN   shall   include   specific,
measurable  targets  for  ending  malnutrition  and  undernutrition  within  the  ten-year
period. Progress toward these targets shall be assessed every two years.
In  developing the  PPAN,  the  policies,  principles,  and  programs  embodied  in the  Food
Fortification  Law  (Republic  Act  No.  8976),  Act  for  Salt  lodization  Nationwide  Law
(Republic Act No. 8172), Nutrition and Dietetics Law of 2016 (Republic Act No.10866),
Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act (Republic Act No.11037), Kalusugan
at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act (Republic Act No.11148)  and all the relevant laws on
nutrition and food security to be enacted hereafter must be considered.
The PPAN must be concurred by its provisional members. The PPAN must be submitted
to the Office of the President for direction and coordination,


Sec.10. IVutrztz.on Mo/1 fJz. -The month of July shall be designated as NUTRITION MONTH
for the purpose of creating greater awareness among our people on the importance of
nutrition.  The  Commission  shall  formulate  and  approve  programs  and  activities  for
nutrition  month  which  should  be  coordinated  across  all  sectors  whether  public  or
private.
Sec.11. Dona£!.o7is. -The Commission shall be authorized to received donations, grants,
or gifts in whatever form and from whatever sources: Provided that, said grants, gifts or
donations shall be administered, obligated and disbursed in accordance with the terms
of the grant or donation and in such manner as the Commission may in its discretion
determine.
Sec. L2, Retention of Personnel; Security of Tenure; Upgrading of Positions and Salaries. -
All existing permanent personnel of the National Nutrition Council shall not be adversely
affected by this Act. They shall continue in office and shall not be removed or separated
from the service except for cause as provided for by existing laws. Further, the present
positions and salaries of personnel shall be upgraded to the level of their counterparts in
a  department  set-up.  The  Commission  shall  hire  such  other  personnel  as  may  be
necessary for the performance of its functions.
Sec.13. Trcr/isJtory Provi'sl.ons, -In consonance with the above provision, the incumbent
Executive Director and Deputy Executive Directors shall serve as the firsts Chairperson
and Commissioners upon effectivity of this Act.
Sec.14. Approprl.clfi.ons. -The State shall hereby provide the initial amount necessary for
the  organizational  and  operational  requirements  of this  Act.  Thereafter,  the  amount
necessary  to  carry  out  the  provisions  of  this  Act  shall  be  included  in  the  General
Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.
Sec.15. Repecr/I.ng CJcrL/se. -Presidential Decree No. 491, as amended by Executive Order
No.  234 s.  1987, Administrative  Order No.  88  s.  1988,  and  Executive  Order  No.  427  s.
2005, is hereby repealed. All other laws, executive orders, executive issuances or letter of
instructions, or any part thereof, inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this
Act are hereby deemed repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
Sec. 16. Sepclrcrbl`/I.ty C/crL/sG. - If for any reason, any section or provision of this Act shall
be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts thereof not affected thereby shall
remain valid.
Sec.17. E#ecfi.VI.ty C/crz/se, -This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15)  days following its
publication in at least (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,