WFD 2019 celebration: attendees raise lit candles as collective symbol of hope for a better and #ZeroHunger future for all.

FAO Philippines, together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the World Food Programme (WFP), led the commemoration of this year’s World Food Day (WFD2019), which had the theme “Our Actions Are our Future. Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World.”

The three-day celebration of WFD2019 kicked off with a festive opening program held at the DA’s premises in Quezon City on 14 October, during which a WFD exhibition and a mini-market selling local produce were inaugurated.

This was followed by an on-the-spot poster-making contest, which was held on 15 October and participated in by students representing all of the regions of the country. Winners were Ma. Grace Sta. Elena from Region 10 (1^st place), Ozzane Ono Ocampo-Allas from Region 3 (2^nd place), Edgard Allan Pasaol from Region 12 (3^rd place), Emilia Bordado from Region 2 (4^th place), and Yvette Avellaneda from Region 9 (5^th place).

The WFD2019 celebrations came to a head with a grand culminating event held on 16 October at the Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City. More than a thousand people attended the activity representing government, NGOs, CBOs, CSOs, and the private sector.

Participants and winners of the WFD2019 on-the-spot poster-making contest, as well as the finalists and winners of the DA Search for Outstanding Rural Women 2019, were recognized and honored during the event.

In his address during the WFD2019 culminating event, Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations Ariel Cayanan called for a “stronger global, national, and multi-sectoral effort to fight hunger and malnutrition, and to feed the planet in a sustainable way.”

He also highlighted the critical role of agriculture and fisheries in improving the nutritional status and quality of life of every Filipino. He then encouraged DA bureaus and attached agencies to strengthen their respective safety protocols and undertake studies to ensure that nutritious food is available, accessible, and affordable to all.

Then FAO Representative ad interim in the Philippines and concurrent Deputy Country Director of WFP Philippines Mr Mats Persson highlighted the importance of nutrition and food security. He called the attention of the government to address the gap that hinders Filipinos from eating safe and nutritious food. He also stated that the country should stimulate its local production, reintroduce iron-fortified rice, and reduce food waste.

Ms Tamara Duran, Assistant FAO Representative for Programme, said, “This year’s World Food Day theme is timely as it addresses not only achieving Zero Hunger but also the equally important issue of healthy diets while nurturing the planet.”

“We call on all concerned sectors to make healthy and sustainable diets affordable and accessible to everyone. We also appeal to everyone to start consciously thinking about what we eat”.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Special Concerns Waldo Carpio said that much remains to be done as hunger and malnutrition are sophisticated problems.

“Let us be continuously aggressive in our efforts to build a global movement to end hunger and fulfill our moral obligation to provide available and affordable food for the Filipino people,” he emphasized.

The WFD2019 culminating celebration ended with an enthralling Candle Lighting Ceremony and the reading of the Pledge of Commitment with which all participants gathered, illuminated, and lifted up their candles to signify their unity and commitment in bringing a brighter and a #ZeroHunger future for all Filipinos.