Anti-hunger initiative aims to lift 1M Filipinos out of hunger by 2022

Close to 70 groups from the private sector have partnered with the government's Task Force Zero Hunger (TFZH) to launch Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG), a multi-sectoral movement with the goal to lift one million Filipinos from hunger by next year.

The anti-hunger initiative's 2021 work plan was outlined during a virtual media launch on Monday.

Key areas of concern include farmer assistance, sustainable nutrition programs, disaster response, and food banking.

"This is the principle of the PKG movement—solving the problem of hunger must be a collective responsibility and an imperative for all of us," said Cabinet Secretary and TFZH head Karlo Nograles.

"The government needs the help of the private sector and other stakeholders to achieve our shared goals for zero hunger in the country," he added.

According to PKG private sector head Margot Torres, the long-term goal is to end hunger by 2030.

To assist farmers, PKG plans to "elevate farming as a dignified and sustainable livelihood."

The goal includes increasing their income by 10-20% in 2021, 50% in 2023 and 100% in 2025; as well as increasing productivity by 50% in 2023 and 100 percent in 2025.

To address malnourishment among Filipino children by 2030, PKG has set goals to improve breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers; weight and height across undernourished children; cooking nutritious meals among low-income households; and public awareness on malnutrition.

The nutrition program aims to focus on the child's "first 1000 days," targeting pregnant women and children from six to 23 months.

To make sure food gets to the hungry in the event of calamities and emergencies, PKG hopes to establish an "efficient network" for relief operations.

This includes a plan to adapt an information management system, complete with an information dashboard based on pre-positioned resources, as well as establishing a protocol and monitoring system for smooth coordination and timely response.

Finally, PKG plans to establish an effective food banking system that can be replicated by other cities by the end of 2021.

Partner groups aim to assess potential available food surplus in Metro Manila, expand food surplus sources and distribution channels, and establish mechanisms for food wastage that can help in developing future policies.

What is Pilipinas Kontra Gutom?

PKG is a multi-sectoral movement aimed to "organize sustainable initiatives for targeted beneficiaries that will address challenges with regard to food availability and accessibility, adequate nutrition, and crises assistance."

The movement has grown since it was first organized in November last year.

As of Monday's launch, it has the support of around 70 partners from private companies, non-profit groups and various organizations.

These companies include Aboitiz, AXA, Bayer, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Cargill, Century Pacific Food, Inc., Coca-Cola, East West Seed, Dole Philippines, Harbest, JG Summit Holdings Inc., Johnson & Johnson Philippines, Jollibee Foods Corporation, Kraft Heinz, McDonald’s Philippines, Mega Global Corp. Metrobank, Mondelez, Nestlé Philippines, NutriAsia, Pilmico Foods Corporation, RFM Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, SM Supermalls, Unilever Philippines, Universal Robina Corporation (URC), Unilab, and Vitarich. Organizations and industry associations include: AGREA, Go Negosyo, League of Corporation Foundations, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), Philippine Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA), Scaling Up Nutrition, Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP), and UN Global Compact.

Non-government organizations and foundations that have also joined are GMA Kapuso Foundation, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Aboitiz Foundation, Ayala Foundation, Caritas, Gawad Kalinga, Jollibee Group Foundation, Kabisig ng Kalahi, Manila Water Foundation, Metrobank Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Project PEARLS, Rise Against Hunger Philippines, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Digital and media partners, meanwhile, include GMA Network, Cobena Business Analytics and Strategy, Inc. Grab Philippines, GCash, PayMaya, Lazada, Shopee, Facebook, Google, TikTok, ABS-CBN, Business World, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and IKOT.PH.

For more information on PKG, visit gutompilipinas.com. Those interested in joining can also reach out via email. —MGP, GMA News