The Overlooked Hunger and Malnutrition Due to Poverty Among Filipino Families
The Overlooked Hunger and Malnutrition Due To Poverty Among Filipino Families
1 Poverty has been prevalent in the Philippines, evident from its dirtiest, muddy places to its urbanized and economy-centered cities. With the problems of unemployment, low salary rates, and inflation rates, Filipinos can only do so much in making ends meet.
2 As the needs of Filipino employees continue to cost more in the modern market, the salary and job opportunities in the country remain in their poor state, making children malnourished and the nation hungry—figuratively and literally.
Empty Wallet and Stomach
3 For workers in common employment sectors such as teaching, call center operations, or government service, the average monthly salary typically ranges from PHP 20,000 to PHP 30,000. However, it is important to acknowledge that a significant portion of the Philippine workforce is engaged in the informal sector, where many individuals lack formal employment contracts and earn even less than the stated average.
4 In 2024, the average salary for Filipino workers in various sectors has increased to PHP 350,000 annually, yet this still does not match the rising cost of living. Inflation has risen by 4% compared to the previous year, continuing a decade-long trend of increasing living expenses. With lower incomes and rising living expenses, particularly for food, many Filipino families are forced to compromise on the quality of their meals. This situation increases the risk of undernutrition among the population.
Affordability Still Unobtainable
5 The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) stated that many Filipinos cannot afford nutritious foods due to high prices, which stem from inadequate agricultural infrastructure in the country.
6 “On food affordability, it was found that many Filipino households are unable to consume nutrient-adequate diets due to its unaffordability,” PIDS reported. They also added that high transportation costs, driven by poor transport and logistics infrastructure, contribute to rising market prices, impacting both rural and urban consumers.
What Filipino Families Do
7 In a nutshell, a mother can budget their expenses only to the extent of making food available to her children, not paying too much attention to its nutritional value. When well-nourished foods are costly in the market, one can only wish to fill their family’s stomach with what they can afford to buy.
8 Fortunately, there are different strategies that can improve food affordability. For example, community gardens allow families to grow their own vegetables and fruits, opening a cheaper access to nutritious food options. If the family budget permits, buying non-perishable items in bulk can save money over time. Individuals can also support local markets and “talipapa” vendors to help cut down transportation costs. Additionally, maximizing government assistance programs can provide essential support for low-income families.
9 Despite these options, communities still struggle with hunger and undernourishment. This leaves us with three questions to ponder: (1) What policies can the government implement to reduce food prices and improve food security for Filipino families? (2) How can communities work together to provide affordable, nutritious food options? and (3) What role can local businesses and the agricultural sector play in making food more accessible and affordable?
10 The issue of food affordability and malnutrition in the Philippines is complex and multifaceted. Only by addressing the root causes—such as inadequate infrastructure, high transportation costs, and poor job opportunities—can the nation hope to see significant improvement. Both the government and communities need to act now to ensure Filipino families can afford healthy food and prevent children from going hungry. By working together, we can create a future where every family has access to nutritious meals.
SOURCES [1] TimeCamp S.A. (n.d.). Average salary in Philippines – Complete guide 2024 – TimeCamp. https://www.timecamp.com/average-salary/philippines/, [2] De Vera, B. (2022, July 1). Many Filipinos can’t afford healthy food due to lack of agri infra — think tank. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://business.inquirer.net/351838/pids-many-filipinos-cant-afford-healthy-food-due-to-lack-of-agri-infra, [3] Divina, A. (2024, April 11). Middle class in the Philippines: understanding and income ranges. Digido. https://digido.ph/articles/middle-class-philippines#:~:text=The%20average%20income%20of%20a,to%20%E2%82%B1109%2C200%20per%20month
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