DSWD CHIEF URGES GOVERNMENT-PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP TO END HUNGER, MALNUTRITION

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — In line with the vision of a progressive society under ‘Bagong Pilipinas’, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian urged members of the business sector on Wednesday (July 17, 2024) to strengthen partnerships with national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to eradicate hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines.

Gatchalian made the call during the launch of the Kain Tayo Pilipinas (KTP) Movement in Makati City, emphasizing the necessity for a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach to tackle these critical issues.

“We can enhance the nutritional status of our Kababayans by fostering and sustaining partnerships at the local, regional, and national levels, ensuring a coordinated approach to sustainable food systems that support our economy, environment, and social structures,” said Gatchalian.

He encouraged business leaders to collaborate closely with LGUs, particularly those recognized in the 2024 Walang Gutom Awards for their effective programs aimed at eliminating hunger and addressing malnutrition at the community level.

“Every locality faces unique challenges—be it geographic, cultural, or social—but many have already developed successful solutions. They seek the partnership of the private sector to scale these initiatives,” Gatchalian noted.

During his address, Gatchalian provided updates on the DSWD’s anti-hunger and nutrition initiatives, including the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon (BangUN) Project, Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), and the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program (FSP).

The KTP movement, spearheaded by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), unites private-sector organizations committed to combatting malnutrition and food insecurity through targeted community-based initiatives.

Alongside Gatchalian, attendees at the launch included Bacnotan, La Union Mayor Divina Fontanilla; DSWD Assistant Secretary for Partnerships Building and Resource Mobilization Ana Maria Paz Rafael; World Bank Senior Country Officer for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand Dr. Clarissa David; and National Nutrition Council (NNC) Executive Director and Assistant Secretary Azucena Dayanghirang.

Leading the private sector contingent was KTP Chairperson Manuel V. Pangilinan, accompanied by KTP Board Member Manolito Tayag; PBSP Executive Director Elvin Ivan Uy; Zuellig Family Foundation President and Executive Director Austere Panadero; Galing Pook Foundation (GPF) Executive Director Georgina Ann Hernandez-Yang; and Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Business Network Secretariat John Echauz.

(el Amigo/mnm)