The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has the highest prevalence of household food insecurity among all regions in the Philippines, with a staggering 84.1 percent. On the other hand, the National Capital Region (NCR) has the lowest prevalence at 44.5 percent.
The figures on food insecurity prevalence are based on the Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) conducted by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DoST-FNRI) in 2018, 2019, and 2021. These surveys provide valuable insights into the state of food security in different regions of the country.
Aside from BARMM, other regions with high food insecurity prevalence are mostly located in the southern part of the country. These regions include Caraga Region (69.8 percent), Eastern Visayas (68.8 percent), Northern Mindanao (68.7 percent), Zamboanga Peninsula (67.9 percent), and the Bicol Region (67.9 percent).
Household food insecurity refers to the limited physical, economic, and social access to safe and nutritious food. It is a pressing issue that affects the well-being and health of individuals and communities.
Interestingly, the prevalence of food insecurity aligns with the poverty incidence rates released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2021. BARMM, with the highest food insecurity prevalence, also recorded the highest poverty incidence, while NCR, with the lowest food insecurity prevalence, had the lowest poverty incidence.
During the 2023 National Nutrition Summit, the DoST-FNRI presented regional estimates that highlight the disparities in food and nutrition situations across different regions. These estimates serve as indicators to track the country’s progress in national and global commitments, such as the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The regional estimates are based on the cumulative provincial and highly urbanized city (HUC) results from the ENNS surveys conducted in 2018, 2019, and 2021. These results provide valuable information for regional development councils to identify focus areas for improving food, nutrition, and health status.
In addition to the ENNS surveys, the DoST-FNRI also conducted the 2022 Epidemiologic Follow-up of the 2019 ENNS. This follow-up study covered a total of 23,410 households from 20 provinces and highly urbanized cities (HUCs) in a special survey conducted in 2022.
The follow-up study aimed to determine the changes in selected food, nutrition, and health indicators after almost three years of the Covid-19 pandemic. The results revealed some significant improvements in certain areas.
According to Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, director at DoST-FNRI, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of stunting among preschool children (0-59 months old) from 28.4 percent to 23.3 percent. The prevalence of stunting among school-age children (6-12 years old) also significantly decreased from 23.9 percent to 18.9 percent.
However, the follow-up study also showed a significant increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults aged 20-59 years old. The prevalence rose from 40.6 percent in 2019 to 44.4 percent in 2022. The NCR had the highest prevalence in all age groups, particularly among preschool children (6.4 percent), school-aged children (19.5 percent), adolescents (17.7 percent), and adults aged 20 and above (46.5 percent).
The DoST-FNRI acknowledges that deeper analyses of the data are needed to fully understand these trends. However, the initial findings suggest that efforts to reduce the long-term impact of the pandemic on undernutrition, such as promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving food diversity and caregiving practices for young children, have shown positive results.
It is crucial for policymakers, government agencies, and local communities to collaborate in addressing the issue of food insecurity and promoting proper nutrition. By implementing targeted interventions and programs, the Philippines can work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger and good health and well-being for all.
Together, we can create a future where every Filipino has access to safe and nutritious food, regardless of their geographical location.
Source: The Manila Times
