As hunger rises, Go urges agri support
It’s painful to hear that one in every four families is experiencing hunger. This isn’t just an economic issue — it’s about justice and the dignity of every Filipino
(FILES) Senator Christopher "Bong" Go
Daily TribuneIt’s painful to hear that one in every four families is experiencing hunger. This isn’t just an economic issue — it’s about justice and the dignity of every Filipino
(FILES) Senator Christopher "Bong" Go
The hunger situation in the Philippines has worsened, with 27.2 percent of Filipino families reporting involuntary hunger in the past three months, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. This is the highest rate since the Covid-19 pandemic peak in 2020. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, expressed concern over the rising hunger levels, which increased from 25.9 percent in December 2024 to 27.2 percent in March 2025, with the Visayas showing a sharp spike to 33.7 percent.
“It’s painful to hear that one in every four families is experiencing hunger. This isn’t just an economic issue — it’s about justice and the dignity of every Filipino,” Senator Go said.
Go emphasized the importance of ensuring Filipino families have enough to eat and urged government agencies to seriously address hunger, pointing out that each statistic represents real struggles, including mothers skipping meals and children going to school hungry.
“We need to increase support for our farmers and strengthen agriculture if we want a long-term solution to hunger,” he added.
The SWS survey also revealed that 21 percent of respondents experienced moderate hunger, while 6.2 percent faced severe hunger. The situation has worsened since January 2025, when the hunger rate was 15.9 percvent.
Senator Go stated that hunger is a structural issue, rooted in years of underinvestment in rural development. He stressed that empowering farmers, improving food distribution, and boosting agricultural financing and infrastructure are key to solving the problem.
As the author of the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act (RA 11901), Go explained how increased access to credit for rural communities, particularly farmers, could boost production and lower food prices, benefiting everyone from the farm to the dining table.
Go also helped pass the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (RA 11953), which eased the burden of unpaid debts for agrarian reform beneficiaries. In addition, he filed bills to strengthen crop insurance and insurance services for farmers, acknowledging the vulnerability of agriculture to climate shocks and disasters.
He also proposed the creation of a Farmers’ and Fishers’ Pension Fund and supported the expansion of Farm-to-Table Farmers’ Markets to reduce food costs and ensure fair prices for consumers. Additionally, Go called for more provincial storage facilities and regional food terminals to reduce post-harvest losses.
As chair of the Senate Youth Committee, Go emphasized the need to promote agriculture as a viable career for the youth, proposing scholarships for children of farmers and fisherfolk and encouraging the teaching of agriculture in schools.
With hunger rates rising, Senator Go urged his fellow lawmakers to prioritize agricultural reforms and food security. He concluded by stressing the connection between health and food security: “It’s hard to get treated when you’re hungry. We must strengthen both health and nutrition for Filipinos.”
Senator Go’s advocacy highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms and investment in agriculture, not only for farmers but for the survival and dignity of every Filipino family.
Senator Go attended the Diamond Anniversary and 75th National Convention of the Optometric Association of the Philippines (OAP) on 4 April at New World Makati Hotel. As the event’s inducting officer, Go emphasized the vital role of optometrists in early detection and prevention of vision-related issues. He also expressed gratitude to the OAP for ensuring proper eye care, especially for children and underserved communities.
Go highlighted the successful inclusion of an Optometry Benefit Package under PhilHealth, which will cover vision assessments, eyeglasses and follow-up care for children aged 0 to 15. This collaboration with optometry groups is a significant step in addressing vision impairment among the youth.
“A simple pair of glasses can be life-changing,” Go said, stressing the necessity of good vision for students, workers and drivers. He also cited the 2018 Philippine National Blindness Survey, revealing that over one million Filipinos suffer from cataracts, and 400,000 children have uncorrected refractive errors.
Senator Go attended the inauguration of the Sto. Niño Super Health Center in Cagayan on 5 April, reinforcing his commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved areas. He emphasized the importance of equal distribution of government projects, ensuring even remote towns like Sto. Niño, 20 km from the nearest hospital, receive necessary medical services.
The center offers various health services, including birthing, laboratory tests, X-ray ultrasound and telemedicine. Go thanked local leaders for their support in making the project a reality. Over 700 Super Health Centers are now nationwide, including 14 in Cagayan.
These centers are part of Go’s broader healthcare efforts, alongside initiatives like the Malasakit Centers Act, which has helped over 17 million Filipinos, and the Regional Specialty Centers Act, providing advanced care in rural areas.