TACLOBAN CITY– As the Nutrition Month Celebration in July draw to a close, the focus on food and nutrition as a human right has never been more evident.
With food insecurity and malnutrition affecting millions, the National Nutrition Council in Eastern Visayas pointed out on the growing need for stronger policies, better support for farmers, and equitable food systems that prioritize the rights of every Filipino families to access healthy and nutritious food.
During the Culmination Activity held here, lawyer Rosalina Bascao, the NNC Deputy Executive Director said in a video message that access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right and should be prioritized in national and local development agenda.
“We must remind ourselves that food is not just a commodity, it is a human right. We must build systems that make food accessible, affordable, and nutritious for all Filipinos, especially those who have long been left behind.” Bascao said.
As part of the month-long celebration, NNC also earlier held a National Mayors’ Forum which gathered local chief executives from all over the country with discussions focused on sustaining nutrition leadership gains.
The local chief executives were urged to align LGU programs that champion food and nutrition security year-round, to leading sustained action in their respective communities and building a healthier and more resilient Philippines.
Wasting (or the low weight for the height in children) is an acute form of malnutrition. In the data by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023, wasting affected 5.1% while stunting was at 25.5% for under-5 Filipino children in the Eastern Visayas region. While on the prevalence of overweight for height among under-5 was at 1.7% and underweight at 15.2%.
The NNC has also called on the continued partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Social Welfare and Development and various local government units in advocating for a more inclusive approach to food security, one that combines agricultural and social reforms with better nutrition programs for the most vulnerable communities. A shift toward sustainable agriculture, increased funding for health and nutrition programs, and improving food distribution systems are all key components of achieving food and nutrition security.
In the 4th State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the President reported that the Walang Gutom 2027 Food Stamp Program has reached 600,000 poor families all over the country. By 2027, this number will be increased to at least 750,000.
The President also mentioned that the DSWD and DepEd are continuing their feeding programs for daycare centers and public schools, providing nutritious food and milk to over three and a half million students nationwide.
“Basta’t may laman ang tiyan, may laman din ang isipan,” President Marcos said. (As long as the stomach is full, the mind is also full.)
(AHLETTE C. REYES, PIA-8)
