Health and nutrition remain closely connected challenges throughout the Philippines. Many rural and semi-urban areas still face gaps in basic health services, particularly for mothers, infants, and adolescents. Malnutrition appears in several forms, from chronic undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies to the growing concern of childhood obesity. Approximately 21.6% of children under two are stunted, 5% are wasted, and about 20% of school-aged children are overweight¹. Beyond nutrition, the Philippines continues to face high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality, as well as one of the highest adolescent pregnancy rates in Southeast Asia. According to the latest reports, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was about 84 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, down from 117 in 2010, but still not yet on track to meet the SDG target of 70 by 2030².
In communities in Central Luzon Region, where local clinics and food resources are limited, families face daily barriers to achieving stable, healthy lives—making access to community-based health and nutrition programs increasingly vital³. Public programs frequently report children arriving undernourished or with micronutrient deficiencies, while pregnant adolescents often lack consistent prenatal care and nutritional support⁴. Rural households sometimes struggle to access affordable, nutritious foods, and local health facilities are limited in their capacity to reach all families consistently⁵. Seasonal flooding and infrastructure gaps complicate the delivery of services, creating a pressing need for community-based nutrition and health solutions that target children, adolescents, and families⁶.
HXP Builders will partner with Rise & Rebuild and communities in the Central Luzon Region to construct a new nutrition center at a school serving about 600 students. Each class has about 30 students, and one classroom is currently used to run a vital feeding program—leaving less space for learning. In collaboration with the Department of Education of the Philippines, Rise & Rebuild invited HXP to help build a dedicated space where the feeding program can thrive while also serving as a temporary classroom and multipurpose room. This project empowers the community to improve both education and nutrition, strengthening the well-being of students and families⁷.
Sources:
¹ UNICEF Philippines
² Philippine Statistics Authority and Department of Health
³ National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
⁷ Department of Education (Philippines)