To address the increase in number of Filipinos suffering from hunger and malnutrition, and obesity in school children, the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), have once again partnered to promote healthy, balance, and sustainable diets for everyone.

At the culminating activity of the World Food Day (WFD) 2019, Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Ariel Cayanan stressed the “call for a stronger, global, national, and multi-sectoral effort to fight hunger and malnutrition and feed the planet in a sustainable way.”

Cayanan underscored the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child in its physical and mental development. He said food is a good indicator of age.

“It is high time to reinforce the critical role of agriculture and fisheries in improving the nutritional status and quality of life of every Filipino,” he said.

As such, he encouraged DA bureaus and attached agencies to intensify its safety protocol and to create long-impact researches to make food available, accessible, affordable and with nutritional value.

Meanwhile, FAO Country Director for WFD Programme Mats Perrson highlighted the importance of integrated food security and nutrition. He said the government should address the nutritional gap that hinders Filipinos from eating nutritious and safe food.

Perrson said the country should stimulate its local production, immediately reintroduce iron-fortified rice, and reduce food waste in a daily basis.

According to the FAO, achieving Zero Hunger is not only about addressing hunger, but also nourishing people, while nurturing the planet.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Special Concerns Waldo Carpio said that much still remains to be done, because hunger and malnutrition are complex problems.

“This celebration serves as a reminder for us to be continuously aggressive in our efforts to build a global movement to end hunger and fulfill our moral obligation to provide available and affordable food for the Filipino people,” he said.

During the event, five young artists and their artwork depicting their take on the theme “Our Actions are Our Future. Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World were recognized yesterday during the culminating activity for of the 2019 WFD celebration.

Cayanan and Perrson awarded the Sean Khoby S. Melgar (Tagaloan Central School, Misamis Oriental), Allen M. Buenvinida (Antonio G. Llamas Elementary School, Mariveles, Bataan), Asley Gian Castañeda (Lugan Central Elementary School, T’boli, South Cotabato), Ma. Dominique D. Alcantara (Sorsogon Pilot Elementary School, Talisay, Sorsogon) and Kirztin Flaurenze L. Julian (Pasonanca Elementary School, Pasonanca, Zamboanga City)

Each student received a trophy and a P20,000 cash prize. ###