The second part of the 8th National Research and Development Conference (NRDC) Human Well-being breakout session showcased three Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) supported DOST – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) projects focused on nutrition data tools, survey analysis, and health-targeted food innovations for older adults.

The 2023 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) revealed that nearly three in ten Filipino households face moderate to severe food insecurity. In response, FNRI launched research and development (R&D) initiatives aimed at identifying persistent nutrition challenges and creating effective solutions.

Ms. Ma. Lilibeth P. Dasco, Operations Manager of the NNS, shared the latest findings on food consumption patterns and nutritional conditions across population groups. The survey found that many Filipino households still consume nutritionally imbalanced meals, and that Vitamin A and iodine deficiencies persist, especially among preschoolers, pregnant and lactating women, and older adults. There are encouraging declines in certain non-communicable disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and lipid levels, but an increase in high fasting blood sugar and other risks among adolescents was noted. Ms. Dasco emphasized the importance of turning survey insights into tangible actions and policy interventions. “These numbers reflect stories of real people and families. There remains a challenge in converting these findings into actions that improve lives,” she emphasized. 

To address nutritional needs among older Filipinos, the second presentation featured product innovations under the  DOST-PCHRD-supported Healthy Aging Program for PinoY (HAPPY) Senior Citizens.  Ms. Vannizsa I. Ramas, DOST-FNRI Senior Science Research Specialist  introduced two functional food products:  a high-protein beverage to help reduce age-related muscle loss, and a tomato-based sauce enriched with GABA, a compound linked to memory support. These  products are developed to be affordable, shelf-stable, and suitable for inclusion in nutrition programs for senior citizens.

Ms. Divorah V. Aguila, Planning Officer IV of DOST-FNRI, introduced the Philippine version of the Hunger and Malnutrition Heat Map. Developed under the Data Visualization and Analytics for Innovation in Food and Nutrition project, this web-based platform transforms national survey data into visual maps showing where food insecurity and malnutrition are concentrated. According to Ms. Aguila, the tool is designed to make nutrition data more accessible and actionable for policymakers. Future updates will allow users to overlay new data layers and download visualization to aid program planning. 

In closing, Dr. Ma. Neda Catalma, PCHRD S&T Fellow for Functional Foods, Nutrition, and Food Safety and session moderator, emphasized how the presentations offered diverse and practical entry points into the country’s food and nutrition challenges, from data visualization to large-scale survey insights and targeted product development for older adults. “These DOST-FNRI-led initiatives show how R&D can help identify needs, test solutions, and share knowledge that informs action across sectors. Through collaboration and continued innovation, we strengthen our path toward lasting food and nutrition security for every Filipino,” said Dr. Catalma.