The Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) on Thursday, Dec. 21 highlighted the challenges in food insecurity and nutrition across various regions in the Philippines, particularly in southern Mindanao.

“Based on the expanded National Nutrition Survey conducted by the FNRI in 2021, nakita na ang timog na bahagi ng bansa ang nagkakaroon ng moderate to severe na food insecurity (It was observed that the southern part of the country is experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity)," DOST-FNRI Director Imelda Agdeppa said during PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon live telecast.

She emphasized that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao had an alarming 84 percent prevalence of food insecurity, followed by Caraga (70 percent), and Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga, and Bicol Region (68-69 percent).
"Ito ang pinaka-problema natin na mga probinsya na nagkakaroon ng maraming mataas na porsyento ng food insecurity (This is our main problem in provinces that are experiencing high percentages of food insecurity)," Agdeppa added.

Food Insecurity

Agdeppa referred to the Food and Agriculture Organization's definition of food insecurity, emphasizing “limited access” and the availability of nutritious and safe food for the Philippine population.

"Ito ay may severity mula sa pangamba na hindi ka magkaroon ng sapat na pagkain (This has severity stemming from the fear of not having enough food), leading to a reduction in both the quality and quantity of food consumed due to a genuine lack of sustenance."

Concerning this, Agdeppa underscored the government's steps to address this issue, including making nutritious food products “more accessible.”

“Lahat ng inilalabas na produkto ng aming institute ay ina-analyze ang sustansya. For example, ay ang kalabasa, kamote at carrots, ginagawa namin itong famous na Nutribun noon (All products released by our institute undergo nutrient analysis. For example, squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots are used to create our famous Nutribun),” she explained.

She said these initiatives are used in collaboration with government agencies like the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Nutrition Council (NNC), and international organizations like the World Food Program for supplementary feeding.

Agdeppa also highlighted the production of "iron-fortified rice" using broken rice, which is sold for animal consumption at a lower price. Technological advancements, such as turning broken rice into flour enriched with iron, contribute to the development of nutrient-rich products.

She noted that the institute is actively working to bring these solutions to grassroots levels, addressing the root causes of food insecurity.

Agdeppa mentioned the role played by the organization in advising programs like the DSWD Food Stamp program, providing incentives to the poorest of the poor.

Increasing obesity among children

Moreover, switching focus to the nutritional habits of youth post-pandemic, she acknowledged a significant “increase in overweight and obesity” among children and teenagers despite the food insecurity in the country.

"Kasi alam natin na noong pandemya ay may pagkain pa rin kahit mayroong kaunting food insecurity. Mayroon pa rin kasing ayuda so ang nangyari ay hindi makalabas ang mga kabataan kaya tumaas ang overweight and obesity (Because we know that during the pandemic, there was still food despite some food insecurity. There was also assistance, so what happened was that the youth couldn't go out, leading to an increase in overweight and obesity),” she said.

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical activity, Agdeppa recommended that individuals, even when confined to their homes, engage in “movement” to combat the problems associated with overweight and obesity.

She highlighted the connection between obesity and health issues such as hypertension and high cholesterol, underscoring the necessity of addressing these concerns to safeguard heart health.