Kitchen

Why Nutrition is Every Filipino Family’s Right

by Alexa Villano
July 1, 2025

The National Nutrition Council puts the spotlight on food security through its theme, Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat

This July, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) marks the 51st National Nutrition Month by focusing on food security with the theme: Sa PPAN: Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat, and a subtheme, Food and Nutrition Security, Maging Priority: Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin.

Every morning, parents – dads, moms, titas, and caregivers across the country wake up early—not just to cook, but to stretch what little they have available. A few pieces of vegetables, a cup of rice, maybe an egg—split between their kids. For many Filipino households, feeding the family is no longer just about nourishment; sometimes it’s a survival for the day.

Food is a basic human need. Yet, for millions of Filipinos, putting healthy, affordable meals on the table has become harder due to rising prices, climate-related disasters, and ongoing economic struggles, resulting in widespread hunger and malnutrition.

Theme Of National Nutrition Month 2025: Food Security

With 20% of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger based on the April 2025 Social Weather Stations survey (SWS), the government wants to ensure food on every Filipino family’s table by increasing the country’s agriculture budget, investing in modern farming technologies, expanding irrigation, and providing crucial aid to farmers and fisherfolk.

Initiatives like Wa-lang Gutom 2027 and KADIWA stores help parents stretch their budgets while still putting fresh food on the table.

In her message, NNC OIC-Executive Director IV, Atty. Rosalina U. Bascao said, “Food security must be ensured for all regardless of age, gender, religion, or socio-economic status.”

“Access to safe, nutritious food should never be a privilege. It is our fundamental human right.”

A call to action for proper nutrition

Bascao called on every Filipino stakeholder to participate and take action in improving the country’s food and nutrition security, especially for vulnerable Filipino families.

“We also urge to strengthen multisectoral cooperation and collaboration to make nutritious food more available, affordable, and accessible to everyone.”

She also called on local government units, the private sector, and other stakeholders to help support the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023–2028, the country’s strategic blueprint to eliminate all forms of malnutrition.

The NNC will formally launch its celebration in Calamba, Laguna, on July 7.

Food for Every Filipino Family

The mission to help provide food for every Filipino family should go beyond promises and election campaigns. As Filipinos continue to struggle to put food on the table, it’s high time that food prices are affordable for consumers so that they can buy the right amount for their families.

It’s also important to continue educating today’s children on the right amount of food on a plate through the Pinggan Pinoy, consisting of the right protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruits.

Food shouldn’t be a privilege – it’s a right for everyone. It shouldn’t be part of an ayuda; it’s a necessity that should be provided.