DoST develops tool to assess child malnutrition, learning

By Tracy Cabrera

The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) is developing a geospatial analytics platform to address malnutrition and learning challenges among Filipino children.

This initiative seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these issues beyond food-related factors.

DoST Secretary Renato Solidum emphasized the urgency of tackling malnutrition in the country. “Ang Food and Nutrition Research Institute ang ahensya ng gobyerno na gagawa ng survey at ang survey na ito ang magpapakita, ano ang problema sa bata, at magde-develop tayo ng pagkain to address that. Pero mayroon akong gagawin na hindi muna pagkain lang, kundi analytics to develop an understanding kung bakit, at ano ang solusyon,” he explained.

Studies conducted by both public and private organizations indicate that malnutrition is most prevalent among fisherfolk families.

Solidum also highlighted the link between nutrition and children’s learning capacities. “Ganun din sa edukasyon kung bakit mahina ang learning capacity, kasi ang learning capacity ng kabataan ay naaapektuhan ng pagkain, ng health service, social protection. Siyempre kung malayo ang kanilang bahay sa eskuwelahan, kung naglalakad lang sila, siyempre marami pang ibang factors,” he said.

Meanwhile, DoST has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to enhance science and technology education in the country.

“This is on top of other efforts to bolster the interest of Filipino students on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Ngayon, gusto ko lang na ibalita na nagpirma na tayo ng kasunduan kay Secretary (Edgardo ‘Sonny’) Angara sa DepEd para matulungan ang ating DepEd at ma-improve ang kanilang educational system patungkol sa science,” Solidum noted.

He further shared that DoST has launched the “Innovations on Science Technology Education Program (STEP)” to uplift the performance of Filipino learners.