Based on the Ambisyon Natin 2040, Filipinos aim for their lives to be deeply rooted, comfortable and secure (matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay). However, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the country’s economy, people’s livelihoods, health and nutrition and food security. The economic difficulties currently being felt make this aspiration of having a comfortable and secure life, free from hunger and poverty by 2040 seem improbable.
As of January 2021, 8.7% or around 4 million Filipinos 15 years old and above are unemployed (PSA, Labor Force Survey). Also, based on the Rapid Nutrition Assessment Survey (RNAS) conducted by the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) on November 3 - December 3, 2020, the most challenging problem experienced by families is the lost of job or source of income. Fifty-three (53%) of the households interviewed had problem accessing food during the community quarantine and 19.5% of them had no money to buy food due to loss of job. Prolonged unemployment, hunger and food insecurity may lead to undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) advises the local government units (LGU) to invest in livelihood and employment generation programs targeting the nutritionally vulnerable families and poor households to ensure food security and economic stability. Aside from DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), LGUs also partner with Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and TESDA for the provision of livelihood trainings, skills enhancement program and other activities to facilitate employment.
In 2020, the City Government of Caloocan provided free livelihood trainings such as donut making to priority beneficiaries including families with malnourished children. Caloocan PESO coordinated with the Nutrition Office for the inclusion of priority families.
Through their “Project: Flour Power”, Barangay Daang Bakal Nutrition Committee in coordination with Mandaluyong Manpower and Technical-Vocational Training Center provided free livelihood skills training in bread making to barangay personnel and volunteers in preparation for the barangay’s Rolling Barangay Bakery. Barangay Daangbakal Chairperson Richard Bassig also plans to put up a Barangay Community Bakery wherein trained mothers and volunteers will be tapped to work in the bakery.
Last April 25, 2021, the TESDA-Navotas Vocational Training and Assessment (NAVOTAAS) Institute was inaugurated to provide access to free technical and vocational education to Navoteños. Non-residents may also enroll and take assessment exams for a fee. Visit this site to see all courses offered: http://tesdatrainingcourses.com/navotas-vocational-training-and-assessment-navotaas-institute.html.
“It may take a while for our economy to fully recover, but it is prudent to keep our people ready and equipped with new and multiple skills. Their education and training can boost their chances of landing jobs and other livelihood opportunities in the future,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said.
The NNC through its Nutrition Cluster Advisory No. 02, Series 2020 also encourages LGUs to buy fresh produce items directly from the small farmers, fisherfolks, and cooperatives within their area or from neighboring towns to protect and promote local economy.
In line with this, the Quezon City Government launched the #GrowQC Nutrition Feeding Program as part of the city’s Food Security Program. It is a 3-in-1 program which aims to provide healthy meals to vulnerable families while sourcing the ingredients especially vegetables from urban farmers to support their livelihood. It also promotes urban farming to families whose income was affected by the pandemic.
“Ang #GrowQC Nutritious Feeding program na ito ay isa lamang sa mga inisyatibo ng lungsod upang ipagbigay-alam sa ating mga residente na maaaring makakuha ng masustansyang gulay sa ating urban farms. Sa pamamagitan din nito, nabibigyan din natin ng kabuhayan ang ating urban farmers,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
As they say, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Providing families with sustainable sources of income will enable them to support the basic needs such as food, shelter, good health, and education. Opportunities for livelihood and income-generating activities will reduce poverty and inequality and can contribute to the attainment a matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay in 2040.
Written by NO II Theresa A. Rivas and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo
References:
- http://2040.neda.gov.ph/about-ambisyon-natin-2040/
- Rapid Nutrition Assessment Survey on Food Security, Coping Mechanisms, and Nutrition Services Availed during COVID-19 Pandemic in Selected Areas in the Philippines, DOST-FNRI, 2020
- Employment Situation in January 2021, Philippine Statistics Authority, Labor Force Survey (Released on March 9, 2021)
- Navotas, TESDA inaugurate CAMANAVA Training Center, 25 April 2021 (https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1073344)
- QC Supports Urban Farmers Through #GrowQC Nutritious Feeding Program, 2 May 2021 (https://quezoncity.gov.ph/qc-supports-urban-farmers-through-growqc-nutritious-feeding-program/)
- Nutrition Cluster Advisory No. 02, Series 2020
- The Philippines Sustainable Livelihood Program: Providing and Expanding Access to Employment and Livelihood Opportunities, 20 September 2018 (https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines/publication/the-philippines-sustainable-livelihood-program-providing-and-expanding-access-to-employment-and-livelihood-opportunities)
