Senator Loren Legarda raised concerns over rising hunger rates in the Philippines, which have reached their highest level since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020.
According to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on 14 January 25.9 percent of Filipino households reported experiencing hunger at least once in the past three months. Mindanao had the highest hunger rate at 30.3 percent, followed by Luzon at 25.3 percent, Visayas at 24.4 percent, and Metro Manila at 22.2 percent.
In response to the country’s growing food security challenges, Legarda emphasized her commitment to launching new programs aimed at addressing food shortages and promoting sustainable food systems. She called for a whole-of-government approach to ensure greater access to food for Filipinos and to reduce food waste.
“The recent SWS survey is deeply alarming and a wake-up call for public officials. As elected leaders, we cannot ignore this pressing social issue,” Legarda said.
“It is our duty to ensure that no Filipino goes to bed hungry. Food security must be a reality in every household. Our nation cannot thrive if more and more Filipinos go hungry every day.”
A four-term senator, Legarda has consistently advocated for food access through various initiatives. She filed Senate Bill No. 240, the Zero Food Waste Act of 2022, which promotes food waste reduction and encourages government agencies to launch a National Zero Food Waste Campaign. She has also introduced the Food Forest Gardening Act, aimed at supporting farmers by promoting low-maintenance food forests.
Additionally, Legarda has been a strong supporter of local produce, having brought her "Bayong-All-You-Can" initiative to the Senate for the past two years, distributing fresh vegetables directly from farmers through Rural Rising Ph to Senate employees. Her efforts align with legislation she has authored, including the Organic Agriculture Act, Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act, and the Rural Farm Schools Act.
“Food security is the foundation of a healthy and productive nation,” Legarda stated. “We must address this issue beyond mere sympathy and invest in real, long-term solutions to guarantee inclusive access to food for all Filipinos.”