PR
On the heels of the launch of the government’s National Food Policy by the Inter-agency Task Force on Zero Hunger last October, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Tuesday led the virtual launch of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom, a multisectoral movement involving the government, the academe, non-profit organizations, private corporations, and the public that seeks to address issues related to involuntary hunger such as food production, food distribution and accessibility, and hidden hunger and malnutrition––including food shortages during times of crises.
According to the Task Force Zero Hunger chief, “hunger is a persistent, complex, and multidimensional problem that we continue to face as a nation.”
“This movement calls on all organizations and each and every Filipino to help our fellow Filipinos. Lahat kasali, lahat kasalo. Everyone must be involved and everyone must contribute so we can end hunger and ensure that every Filipino family is properly fed,” explained Nograles.
“To the founding members of the movement from the private sector who have heeded this call and have committed to join our cause: thank you.”
The founding members of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom from the private sector include some of the country’s biggest corporations, such as Coca-Cola, Dole Philippines, J&J Philippines, McDonald’s, Metrobank, and San Miguel Corporation.
Through Pilipinas Kontra Gutom, organizations, companies, and concerned groups may contribute to anti-hunger efforts via programs that support farmers and food producers, malnutrition advocacy for kids below five years, as well as assistance in the form of meal donations during crises, among others, pointed out Nograles.
The Palace official added that these efforts are consistent with the government roadmap to achieve zero hunger and fall within the key result areas outlined in the National Food Policy.
Recognizing that hunger incidence has worsened amongst Filipino families due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Pilipinas Kontra Gutom founding members have initially pledged to provide 100,000 meals for identified communities in the National Capital Region and key priority areas through the Ronald McDonald House Charities’ McDonald’s Kindness Kitchen. In addition to the initial demonstration of commitment to provide food for the affected communities, 3,000 infant kits for children below two years old will also be distributed.
As solving hunger and providing sustainable solutions to this problem require greater participation from various sectors of society, Pilipinas Kontra Gutom invites other companies, the academe, and non-government organizations to join the movement. It likewise calls on the public and those who want to help provide food for more Filipino communities, especially during this crisis, to donate their contributions via rmhc.org.ph.
