MANILA, Philippines – The House Committee on Agriculture and Food is set to conduct an inquiry on the persistent problem of malnutrition in the Philippines, Isabela 1^st District Representative Rodolfo Albano III said on Wednesday, October 8.

Through House Resolution 2217, Albano calls on responsible government agencies to explain the problems of food insecurity and malnutrition. The inquiry also aims to get recommendations on how to address the unchanging issues affecting Filipinos for years.

The latest National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute reported that 19.9% of children under 5 years old are undernourished while 29.1% children aged 5 to 10 years old are underweight. (READ: State of PH nutrition: The last 5 years)

The 2015 Regional Overview of Food Insecurity in Asia and the Pacific meanwhile reported that approximately 17.5 million Filipinos are still undernourished. Almost 19% of the whole population, on the other hand, live under a daily budget of less than P50 ($1.25).  

Consider climate change

With 12 government agencies directly and indirectly affecting different facets of food production, Albano said that addressing food and nutrition security in the country is a “multi-sectoral approach” as there is no single lead agency responsible and accountable.

It is high time to demand action against hunger and malnutrition as the country – as a member of the United Nations – has committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. One of the main goals of this agenda is to eradicate hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

The lawmaker added that the effects of climate change should be considered in the actions aimed at achieving food security.

“The appropriate departments should consider the effects of climate change and ensure that in spite of emergencies due to natural and man-made hazards and conflicts, food and nutrition security is assured among Filipinos, particularly those in the lowest quintiles,” he said.

A recent report by Oxfam International warned that at least 10 million of the world’s poorest can suffer from hunger due to El Niño this year, considered “the most powerful since 1997.” (READ: ‘Powerful El Niño to cause hunger among world’s poorest – report)

Aside from drought, climate change can also increase the chances of natural disasters and typhoons even outside the rainy season.

“Disasters such as these plunge women, men, and children into poverty, hunger and malnutrition,” Albano explained. “Women contribute significantly to food and nutrition security as food producers and providers for their families especially for the children and the elderly.”

In July, Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara called for a Senate inquiry to address the “unchanging” patterns of malnutrition. (READ: Angara calls for Senate inquiry vs food insecurity and malnutrition) – Rappler.com