QC solon's bill backs PBBM's call for food security

A Quezon City congressman has filed a measure that's in line with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s declaration during the 77th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly that food was “the very basis of human security".

Congressman PM Vargas of the city's 5th district filed House Bill (HB) No.4562, also known as the Right to Adequate Food Framework Bill.

“Every Filipino family deserves to have enough food on their plates and be free from hunger. When we eradicate hunger, we improve not only the health and wellbeing of individuals, but create better communities and a united nation,” Vargas said.

The measure seeks address food availability, stability, and security by establishing well-functioning distribution, processing, and market systems.

“With President Marcos at the helm of establishing modern and resilient agricultural development in the country, I am hopeful that our shared vision of an accessible and adequate food supply for all Filipinos is forthcoming,” Vargas said.

In his speech at the 77th UNGA in New York, United States (US) last September, President Marcos, who is concurrently the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary, emphasized the importance of food as “the very basis of human security".

In support of the President’s priority food security programs, HB 4562--when enacted into law--shall serve as guide and development plan for the country’s commitment to eradicate hunger within a 10-year period.

Salient provisions of the bill include guidelines on international cooperation, standards on the minimum amount of food for the undernourished, and government obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the right to adequate food.

The Right to Adequate Food Framework Bill was approved on third and final reading in the House of Representatives but failed to pass in the Senate in the previous food Congress.