The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is seeking to develop a mobile application that would guide consumers in making data-and values-driven food choices in a bid to address unhealthy eating preferences among Filipinos.
DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development PCAARRD) Director for Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD) Dr. Ernesto O. Brown disclosed this during a webinar dubbed “Feeding Metro Manila in 2050: Promoting Responsible Consumption to Address Unhealthy Eating Preferences of Consumers” held on Monday, March 29. The webinar was organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).
Brown said he is leading a technical working group (TWG) that would develop the so-called Planetary Health Diet Plus App.
“It’s a DOST-wide technical working group tasked to draft or develop a program proposal for the development of the Planetary Health Diet Plus App,” he said.
He said involved in the development of the program proposal were PCAARRD, Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), NAST and DOST-Planning and Evaluation Service (PES)- Information Technology Division (ITD).
“The inter-DOST agency initiative is in response to the Call to Action of NAST to transform the dysfunctional food system,” Brown said.
“It aims to develop a mobile application that would guide consumers to have informed food choices based on individual’s biological information, the nutritional and health benefits of various foods, and values such as impact on farmers’ income and environment,” he said.
Brown also cited the ongoing efforts to continuously develop and promote sustainable production practices and technologies, and strengthen the local food system to ensure food security in the country.
He also assured the public that the DOST-PCAARRD is stepping up efforts to ensure sustainable management of environment and natural repurchase, and digital inclusivity across the agricultural and food value chains.