Hunger situation needs concerted government action, says Legarda

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Loren Legarda said the latest figures on the hunger situation in the country necessitates that the government synchronize its efforts, “especially now that we are facing disasters intensified by climate change.”

Legarda has filed Senate Bil 1347 which calls for the activation of the “Healthy Food for Poor Children Program” by mandating the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health to coordinate with each other and establish feeding programs in low-income communities and depressed areas.

“Although the government has several feeding programs, the spirit of this bill is to mitigate hunger especially among poor children and pregnant women. The added benefit is the assistance to local farmers by buying their produce without the added cost of storage and transportation to markets.”

The Legarda bill directs the DA to select farmers’ organizations and cooperatives from which good quality fruits, vegetables and other healthy foodstuffs are to be purchased at minimal cost. 

“As much as practicable, the farmers and farmer’s organizations should be from the locality wherein the feeding program is to be administered.” 

“The DOH is to be responsible in identifying the appropriate fruits, vegetables and other healthy food for the feeding program and shall recommend these for the Department of Agriculture to purchase. They shall also train citizens within their respective localities on the proper and healthy practices of food preparation and cooking”

“The DSWD shall identify the community-based organizations who will be the recipients of the food assistance in low-income communities and depressed urban areas.”