Amid the rise in prices of flour-based products and a projected nutrition crisis, Senator-elect Loren Legarda has called for a reform in the country’s agricultural and food systems.

“In an interconnected world, we are faced again with the negative implications of the war in Ukraine. Rising food and energy prices are bringing about food shortages. The conflict will have far-reaching consequences and trigger lasting crises, especially for food security, health, and even the environment,” Legarda said in a statement on Thursday, June 9.

The outgoing House deputy speaker from Antique called for better support for agricultural workers such as farmers and fisherfolk amid the effects of the Ukraine crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Ipinakita ng COVID-19 pandemic at ng krisis sa Ukraine kung gaano ka-vulnerable ang ating mga food supply chain, at kung paano sa isang iglap ay maaaring malagay sa alanganin ang food at nutritional safety ng milyun-milyon nating mga kababayan (The Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis exposed the vulnerability of our food supply chain, and how the food and nutritional safety of millions of our countrymen can be jeopardized in an instant),” she continued.

“Kung susuportahan natin ang ating mga magsasaka at mga mangingisda, magkakaroon tayo ng matibay na pundasyon at solusyon para sa ating problema sa food security at sustainability ng ating mga food sources (If we support our farmers and fisherfolk, we will develop a firm foundation and solution for our problems in food security and the sustainability of our food sources),” Legarda said.

As a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the world’s wheat supply took a major blow given that both countries account for about a third of the global wheat supply.

Legarda–an advocate for eco-friendly and pro-agricultural worker policy–urged that more control be given to farmers, fisherfolk and that the country’s food waste be reduced.

“This is yet another confirmation of the need to transition to regenerative food systems that put power back in the hands of farmers and produce using local and renewable inputs...Our people are hungry and malnourished, and yet we waste 1,717 metric tons of food. Imagine if every Filipino reduced their food waste. This would effectively improve the availability of food and help solve hunger while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with food that is not consumed,” Legarda added.

“I am asking our national institutions and my fellow Filipinos to seriously reflect on the moral duty to change the current food system. Let us achieve food security through stronger support for agriculture and fisheries, and the promotion of regenerative agricultural systems,” she said.