Philippines

M anila, 8 March 2023 —The food environment in the Philippines is failing children and driving the high prevalence of overweight and obesity, UNICEF released in a report today. The publication, “ Children’s lived experience of the food environment, ” reveals the realities of children’s lives and how systems affect what they eat. The study found…

The diets of children in the Philippines are shaped by the environments in which they live. Understanding how these environments influence children allows UNICEF to identify the policies that the Government of the Philippines and partners need to strengthen so that children are able to access healthier diets and living conditions to support their…

When it comes to sweets and other unhealthy food, the struggle is real. Ensuring a child has a healthy diet and regular physical activity can be challenging for parents and caregivers alike. So often, whether it is due to cost, taste, availability, accessibility, or other factors, a bag of chips or a piece of cupcake seems to be the choice instead…, Children and caregivers contend with unhealthy food marketing, There are many factors contributing to overnutrition and extreme weight gain in children—but one common contributor is advertising and marketing through television and social media. Unhealthy food marketing is everywhere, and it affects what food children eat, prefer and request. Eight-year-old Kevin, who enjoys donuts and soft drinks, says: “I…, With little to no action, about one-third of the country’s teens could become obese by 2030, In the Philippines, if zero or minimal measures are taken, this would mean that more than 30% of adolescents will either be overweight or obese by 2030, or in less than eight years. The risk of getting diseases is also higher, which will result in a huge cost in terms of healthcare and lost income and opportunities. More importantly, for families…, A child’s eating preferences begin with parents’ prenatal healthy choices, Parents and other caregivers are the first line of defense against an unhealthy diet. Getting the proper vitamins and minerals begins even before childbirth. A mother who eats right can start to influence a baby’s preferences, as well as the nutritional status upon birth. And in the first crucial years, breastmilk is best. Experts advise to…, Tackling an obesity-influencing environment requires the involvement of everyone, Making nutritional values commonplace through front-of-pack labelling is one of the many solutions proposed by different concerned institutions and groups to form a systemic approach to curb childhood obesity. The Department of Health and the National Nutrition Council is developing the Philippine Nutrient Profile Model, which will provide…

MANILA, 4 MARCH 2022 – The Department of Health (DOH), National Nutrition Council (NNC), Philippine Association for the Study of Overweight and Obesity (PASOO), Nutrition Center of the Philippines (NCP), World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) raise the alarm on growing obesity in the Philippines on the…

This study, conducted by the Department of Health, National Nutrition Council, Nutrition Center of the Philippines and UNICEF, assesses the extent of overweight and obesity among children in the Philippines. The results of the study were used in identifying a set of priority actions that will address childhood overnutrition. July 2021

UNICEF conducted an analysis of Euromonitor International marketing reports to assess the trends in sales of highly processed food and drink in the Philippines. Diets dominated by highly processed products are driving the rise in childhood overweight and obesity in the country, with nearly one in ten children aged 11-19 years currently suffering…

This study identifies the marketing of unhealthy foods and non-alcoholic drinks in social media, its appeal to children aged 5-17 years and marketing strategies used by these products and brands that appeal to children in the Philippines.  This is part of UNICEF's actions to address problems of unhealthy diets and increasing rates of overweight…

Vacancies, UNICEF employs full-time staff and consultants based in offices in Manila and Cotabato City, and in project areas across the Philippines. To apply for a vacancy, click the link below and submit your application through the UNICEF website. We don’t accept walk-in or mailed applications. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.         Fund…, Beware of fraudulent job offers, UNICEF only accepts job applications sent online via our e-recruitment website . UNICEF does not charge fees or ask for money at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training or any other fees). Learn more ., Volunteering, UNICEF accepts volunteers through the UN Volunteers programme, which offers short- and long-term volunteering opportunities in United Nations agencies. UN Volunteer posts are full-time assignments, with a monthly allowance, insurance and leave benefits. Please check the UN Volunteers website  for more information and to view UN Volunteer vacancies…, Internships, To be considered for an internship, applicants must be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree programme, or have graduated within the last two years. Click here for more information about internships in UNICEF., Diversity and inclusion, UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.

For more than 70 years, UNICEF has been a leader in promoting and protecting the rights of every child. Join us in helping children, especially the most disadvantaged and vulnerable, survive, thrive and fulfill their potential.  Three children carrying school bags gather under an umbrella, smiling, Make a donation to UNICEF, UNICEF relies on voluntary donations to sustain our long-term programmes and emergency relief efforts. A boy piggybacks on another boy, Corporate partnerships, By partnering with UNICEF, your company can support programmes and advocacy for children. A UNICEF staff member, wearing a blue UNICEF t-shirt with the URL for the UNICEF Philippines website, holds hands with children participating in a recreational activity inside a UNICEF tent., Career opportunities, We're looking for individuals who share our passion to promote and protect children's rights. Two girls wearing hijabs smile in front of the camera, Tenders for suppliers , UNICEF works with suppliers and service providers that can support our programmes and operations.