FFI continued supporting the Government of the Philippines in 2025 through a Nutrition International–funded project aimed at strengthening national wheat flour fortification standards. The project focuses on adding folic acid to the wheat flour standard and ensuring that only bioavailable forms of iron are permitted—key steps toward improving micronutrient intake and preventing nutrition-related birth defects.
While progress has been slower than anticipated due to delays in convening the National Nutrition Council Governing Board, FFI maintained momentum by preparing the technical and policy foundations needed for implementation once approvals are finalized. A Department of Health (DOH) consultancy conducted in 2025 clarified the pathway to implementation, identifying the need for an additional Administrative Order to operationalize and enforce the revised standards. Encouragingly, relevant government teams expressed readiness to move forward once the resolution is approved.
During the reporting period, FFI drafted key deliverables to strengthen both internal and regulatory monitoring systems. Outputs included guidelines for micronutrient premix preparation, internal monitoring protocols, an external monitoring manual, updated inspection checklists, and training materials designed to support industry compliance and government oversight. These resources position national stakeholders to rapidly transition into implementation.
FFI also supported advocacy and stakeholder engagement efforts, including collaboration with the Spina Bifida Support Group Foundation of the Philippines. Engagement with Department of Health leadership reinforced commitments to advance birth defect surveillance and convene decision-making bodies to move the policy process forward.
Although final approval of the standards remains pending, the project has strengthened technical readiness, stakeholder alignment, and implementation planning—ensuring the Philippines is well positioned to advance effective wheat flour fortification once regulatory approval is secured.
