Rep. Ray Reyes of AnaKalusugan party-list on Monday pushed for the passage of House Bill 2189, or the Zero Hunger bill, to ensure food security and wipe out hunger in the country.
Reyes, vice chair of the House Committee on Health, made the statement as the country commemorates National Nutrition Month, noting that “malnutrition remains a serious problem in our country and 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.”
“AnaKalusugan party-list joins the nation in celebrating National Nutrition Month and remains committed to advance legislation to eliminate hunger and make affordable healthy food accessible to all Filipinos,” Reyes said.
He said the bill aims to eradicate hunger by 2030 and calls for the creation of the Commission on the Right to Adequate Food, which will be the primary policy-making and coordinating body of all efforts towards addressing hunger and other issues.
“According to the National Nutrition Council (NNC), around 35 percent or four out of 10 Filipino families in the country are unable to eat healthy and nutritious food. This is something that we urgently need to address,” he added.
Reyes said the proposed commission’s main objectives are to guarantee a stable and sustainable food supply, ensure affordable food, secure adequate nutrition, and assure food safety and consumer protection.
“Freedom from hunger is a fundamental right of everyone. While it remains a significant challenge in the country, our goal is to end hunger especially in the poor and vulnerable sectors,” Reyes said.
He also expressed hope that deliberations on the measure will commence as soon as Session resumes.
“This measure is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s avowed policy to exhaust all efforts to ensure food security in the country, so I hope that as soon as possible we can pass it,” said Reyes. Maricel V. Cruz
