While the first 1,000 days shape a child’s earliest development, a new study by researchers from the 蝌蚪传媒 (蝌蚪传媒) reveals that the “next 1,000 days” offer an equally critical “second chance” that the country cannot afford to overlook.
In their study titled, “Sustain the Gains: An Assessment of Nurturing Care Outcomes in the Next 1,000 Days,” researchers examine the developmental progress of Filipino children during this crucial stage.
Although significant national investments have been made on maternal health, infant nutrition, and related programs targeting the first 1,000 days, the study highlights a persistent gap in sustaining these benefits as children grow during their preschool years.
“Simply put, this period of development provides us a second chance to correct developmental outcomes in early childhood,” said 蝌蚪传媒 former Project Technical Specialist Ma. Norma Thea Madeline M. Conjares, who presented the study.
“Our research shows that many children are not receiving the nurturing care they need during these critical years,” she added.
Large disparities persist in health, nutrition, and WASH conditions
One of the most urgent challenges is ensuring children’s health and hygiene.
“Children under five are highly vulnerable to waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and developmental delays caused by poor sanitation and hygiene,” Conjares said. She explained that poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) outcomes during the next 1,000 days can significantly hinder improvements in children’s developmental trajectories.
The assessment found that the Philippines is off track in achieving targets, particularly among low-income families. One in ten children from the bottom 40% of income households still practices open defecation, and unsafe drinking water is more prevalent among the poor.
Regional disparities are also stark. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), only 60% of children under the age of five have access to improved WASH services.
Nutrition gains at risk amid declining breastfeeding rates
Meanwhile, although national stunting and wasting indicators have improved, the study warns that the Philippines may struggle to sustain progress due to deteriorating food environments and declining breastfeeding practices.
Declines in exclusive and continued breastfeeding pose a major barrier to sustaining nutrition gains.
“The sharp increase in stunting after 12 months suggests that chronic malnutrition among children in their earlier years may be attributed to poor infant and young child feeding practices,” Conjares said.
Caregiving and early learning
Beyond physical health and nutrition, the study also identifies gaps in early learning and responsive caregiving, which are equally essential for development.
Despite the importance of early learning environments, attendance in early childhood care and development (ECCD) programs remains extremely low. “Only 1 in 10 households with children under 5 attend ECCD programs,” Conjares reported.
Many parents perceive their children as “too young”, even though ECCD programs support cognitive and social development. Awareness of recommended positive parenting practices is also limited, with only 2 in 10 households following guidelines, and regional disparities in early stimulation persist.
Recognizing these challenges, ECCD Council Technical Assistant to the Executive Director and Program Development Officer Maria Teresa Medina, highlighted recent policy efforts: “Under RA12199, these efforts are mandated and expanded, making parenting education a national responsibility across LGUs.”
To implement this, the ECCD Council trains child development workers and teachers in responsive caregiving, play-based learning, early stimulation, and developmental milestones. Combined with national awareness campaigns and local community outreach, these initiatives aim to ensure that caregivers nationwide receive guidance to sustain developmental gains in children aged two to five.
Safety and protection still a concern
The study also raises concerns about children’s safety and protection. Alarmingly, half of Filipino children in the next 1,000 days experience physical punishment. Early exposure to violence impairs learning outcomes and long-term mental health. Ensuring safety and security is essential to maximize developmental gains.
“Health and nutrition are foundational, but they alone cannot sustain early gains. Children also need nurturing environments, early learning opportunities, and protection from violence to maximize their development,” Conjares emphasized.
Policy action needed
The study concludes that sustaining gains from the first 1,000 days requires coordinated action across sectors.
“The gains made from investing in health and nutrition in the first 1,000 days cannot be maximized if components such as caregiving, early learning, and safety and security are left underemphasized,” Conjares stressed.
Read the full study at or watch the webinar playback at . ### — RTG
