Across the Philippines, many communities face overlapping challenges in nutrition and overall health. Over the past decade, the country has struggled to provide consistent primary healthcare, especially for adolescents, pregnant women, and young children. The triple burden of malnutrition—which includes stunting and wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising obesity—remains a major concern. In 2025, 21.6% of children under two are stunted, 5% are wasted, and one in five school-age children is overweight¹. At the same time, the Philippines is still behind on its SDG 2030 goals for reducing maternal and neonatal deaths and has the second-highest adolescent pregnancy rate in ASEAN². In provinces such as Cebu, where access to clean, nutritious food is limited and healthcare resources are stretched thin, many families continue to face serious health challenges with little long-term support.
In the Cebu Province, rapid urbanization, high population density, and pockets of poverty contribute to uneven access to nutritious food and basic health services. Certain barangays report malnutrition rates as high as 13.3% for children under six³. Many children arrive at community programs undernourished, which affects focus, energy, and learning outcomes. Families in informal settlements struggle to supplement meals with fresh produce, and public health services sometimes cannot consistently reach the most vulnerable children. Frequent flooding and urban congestion further complicate access to healthy food and hygiene resources, emphasizing the need for community-based support.
This summer, HXP Builders will help construct a new community nutrition and wellness center to support long-term health and education initiatives. The center will offer essential programs focused on nutrition, maternal and child health, and wellness education for families who currently have limited access to these services. It will also serve as a hub for promoting healthy habits and improving community awareness about preventative care. By strengthening health infrastructure, this project is helping families in the Cebu province build a foundation for stronger, healthier futures—one rooted in knowledge, access, and care.
Sources:
¹ UNICEF
² World Bank
³ Philippine Statistics Authority