Solon pushes for Zero Hunger bill

A lawmaker pushed a proposal that aims to eliminate hunger and make affordable healthy food accessible to all Filipinos, similar to the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal 2” of the United Nations.

The World Bank, World Trade Organization, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Food Program have warned of a global food crisis affecting poor and developing countries.

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As a solution, Anakalusugan Rep. Ray Florence Reyes House Bill 2189, or the Zero Hunger bill, in accordance with the policy statements of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. to complete all efforts to ensure food security in the country.

The bill, said Reyes, calls for a collective action to eradicate the problem by the year 2030, while it forces the re-examination and calibration of government policies in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“It is our duty to address, not just hunger incidence but also the lack of healthy food available to all at a fair price point. Freedom from hunger is a fundamental entitlement of every Filipino, but it remains a significant challenge in the country. Hunger is inconsistent with human dignity and rights; thus, it should be eliminated,” said Reyes.

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Solon pushes for Zero Hunger bill

The proposal proposes the creation of a “Commission on the Right to Adequate Food,” which will be the primary policy-making and coordinating body of all efforts toward addressing hunger and collateral issues.

The main objectives of the proposed commission are to guarantee a stable and sustainable food supply for current and future generations, ensure affordable food, secure adequate nutrition, and ensure food safety and consumer protection.

Food and nutrition education will also be included in the school curriculum.

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The bill also targets setting aside 50 percent of prime agricultural lands and 100 percent of coastal areas for food production to achieve the goal.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Human Rights.

If we look at “Goal 2” of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, it has five main goals, and the first one here is to end hunger and ensure access for all people, especially the poor, by 2030. and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food throughout the year.

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