Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative to the Philippines Jose Luis Fernandez and other DA key officials formally opened the World Food Day celebration at the DA lobby on October 15, 2018 with the theme ”Our actions are our future. A #ZeroHunger world by 2030 is possible.”

In his message, Piñol said that DA is continuously working hard to deliver available and affordable food for the people while maintaining the profitability of agriculture for farmers and fisherfolk.

“Misyon ng gobyerno na pakainin ang tao,” the Secretary added.

In his message, the Piñol announced that the recent TienDA Malasakit Store which opened in Taguig City on Sunday (October 14) gathered a total of P3.1 million in sales in just one day.

“This is a proof that if we can directly link our farmers and fisherfolk to consumers, they can earn a lot while providing affordable, safe, and fresh food,” he said.

“More than anything else, it is the ultimate goal of the government to feed its people,” he added.

Speaking in behalf of FAO, Fernandez called for intensified efforts not only from the government’s side but from everyone.

According to Fernandez, collective actions will strengthen efforts towards the attainment of zero hunger. He added that everyone should take part in adopting a more sustainable lifestyle through cooperation, knowledge sharing, and willingness to change the world for the better.

The culminating program for this year’s World Food Day is set for tomorrow, October 16, 2018 at the Liwasang Aurora in Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City. During the program, participants are expected to renew their commitment in addressing the needs of agriculture sector to ensure zero hunger.

Winners of the Nationwide Poster-Making contest will also be awarded during the celebration. Their winning posters can also be viewed from October 15 to 19 at the DA Lobby Hall. ### (Carlos Cezar Baldosa, DA-AFID)