OP ED | OPINION-EDITORIAL | World Food Day 2023: Dealing decisively with hunger, malnutrition
Oct 16, 2023
As the Philippines joins today the worldwide observance of World Food Day, two imperatives emerge. First, there is need to end involuntary hunger; and second, proper nutrition of newly born children must be assured.
In the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey held mid-year, at least 10.4 percent of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months, higher than the hunger prevalence rate in March 2023. This scenario evokes even greater urgency when taken in the context of rising inflation in food prices.
Memento Maxima Digital MarketingAccording to the latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, food inflation rose to 8.9 per cent in August compared to 6.5 percent in July. Higher rice prices was the leading inflationary factor. The growth rate in the rice index increased to 7.5 percent in August 2023 compared to 2.1 in the previous month. Prices of vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses posted an inflation rate of 37.8 percent during the month from 28.5 percent in July 2023.
The government went into high gear to stabilize rice prices. President Marcos imposed price ceilings for a one-month period as an interim measure to minimize hoarding and overpricing. The price cap was lifted as soon as the Department of Agriculture ascertained that the rice harvest would provide sufficient buffer stocks. As a complementary measure, the government launched the food stamp program and distributed additional cash aid to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program for the poorest families.
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A Children’s First 1,000 Days Coalition headed by former Senator Jose D. Lina, Jr. is actively addressing the serious malnutrition problem in the country.
As noted by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Philippines, 95 Filipino children die daily from malnutrition with 27 every 1,000 children not getting past their fifth birthday. Moreover, one third of all Filipino children are stunted or short in height for their ages; stunting by age two can be permanent, irreversible or can be fatal. The World Bank has pointed out that “stunting in the first 1,000 days is associated with poorer performance in school, both because malnutrition affects brain development and also because malnourished children are more likely to get sick and miss school.’’ Among countries in East Asia and the Pacific Region, the Philippines posts the fifth highest number of stunted children.
Five years after Congress’ enactment of the First 1,000 Days Law, or Republic Act 11148, in November 2018, much still needs to be done in terms of dealing decisively with the twin problems of hunger and malnutrition. The first 1,000 days covers the period from a child’s conception to the second birthday. If a child is malnourished in the womb of an unhealthy mother, reversing this condition would be a herculean task.
This year’s observance of World Food Day provides a good opportunity for creating heightened awareness on food issues, reducing food waste, supporting local farmers, and supporting advocacy for policy reform that will address priority hunger and malnutrition concerns.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
