Nutrition is a right, not a privilege

**media[26123]**Food security is not just about having enough to eat; it is about eating well enough to live a healthy and productive life.That statement is not just a slogan, it’s a roadmap for government and private sector to follow to ensure the health of the present and future generations. Every July, the country observes Nutrition Month — a vital reminder that health begins with what we eat.This year, the theme carries even greater weight: “Sa Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN): Sama-sama sa nutrisyong sapat para sa lahat!” (Proper nutrition and healthy eating, a must for all Filipinos). The subtheme is “Food at nutrition security, maging priority! Sapat na pagkain, karapatan natin! (Food and nutrition security is a priority! Adequate food is our right!)” The theme is a call to action grounded in a universal truth — access to nutritious food is a basic human right.The activities for Nutrition Month is led by the National Nutrition Council (NNC).The focus on nutrition as a right highlights a persistent and painful reality: millions of Filipinos still go to bed hungry. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 51 million Filipinos experienced moderate to severe food insecurity from 2021 to 2023. More recently, the April 2025 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey reported that 20 percent of Filipino families suffered involuntary hunger. These are not just numbers — they are the faces of children who can’t concentrate in school, of workers with empty stomachs, and of mothers sacrificing meals to feed their families.Malnutrition in our country takes many forms — undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and even obesity. As the World Health Organization (WHO) reminds us, malnutrition is not just a problem of poverty; it’s also a consequence of unhealthy food environments where highly processed, nutrient-poor foods are often cheaper and more accessible than fresh produce.The government is moving to address this complex issue. Through the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023–2028, the state is taking a multi-pronged approach to tackle all forms of malnutrition. Nutrition Month 2025 supports this plan by rallying all sectors — government agencies, LGUs, civil society, and the private sector — to work together to ensure good nutrition for all.Under President Marcos, investments in agriculture have been ramped up to improve food supply. Programs like Walang Gutom 2027, which seeks to end hunger in targeted poor communities, and the expanded Kadiwa stores initiative that provides affordable agricultural goods directly to consumers, are examples of concrete steps to provide affordable and accessible food.The private sector, for its part, plays a critical role. Corporations are engaging in nutrition-focused CSR initiatives — from sponsoring school feeding programs to launching education campaigns on healthy diets.Individuals and families, too, must see themselves as part of the solution. Supporting local food producers, reducing food waste, growing home or community gardens, and advocating for nutrition education are simple yet powerful actions. Parents can make informed food choices for their children; schools can reinforce healthy eating habits; and communities can support each other through food-sharing programs and cooperatives.The NNC’s SAPAT strategy — Strengthen, Amplify, Practice, Activate, Transform — offers a roadmap for everyone to follow. It emphasizes the need to build systems that ensure food is always affordable, available, and accessible.As we mark the 51st Nutrition Month, we must renew our collective commitment to the belief that nutrition is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all. When we nourish every Filipino, we strengthen our nation.