Senator Risa Hontiveros introduced Senate Bill No.1576 on July 28, 2026, proposing the transformation of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) into the National Nutrition Commission.The bill seeks to create a dedicated governing body with nutrition experts to address nutritional gaps and improve coordination among agencies.

The NNC, currently an attached agency of the Department of Health, has faced challenges in reducing malnutrition rates, including a stunting rate of 25.3% as per the 2025 Food and Nutrition Research Institute survey.

Hontiveros highlighted that despite over 50 years of existence, many children remain undernourished, families face hunger, and communities lack continuous services.

The proposed commission would formulate policies, monitor implementation, recommend measures for nutrition rights, and establish local nutrition offices.Health Undersecretary Albert Domingo supported the bill, noting its alignment with multisectoral governance.

Nutrition Foundation executive director Maria Lourdes Vega suggested including registered dietitians in the commission, while legal expert Mikhail Millan emphasized conflict-of-interest policies.The reform aims to clarify accountability and enhance coordination across agencies.