PANDEMIC HUNGER
Food Insecurity in the PH Amid the COVID-19 Health Crisis
PANDEMIC HUNGER: Food Insecurity in the PH Amid the COVID-19 Health Crisis
1 Many Filipino households are unable to consume nutritious food meals mainly due to high costs. The poorest households bear the brunt of the burden, as seen by low diet quality and a high rate of malnutrition. While food insecurity is already a persistent concern in the Philippines, it has been worsened by the COVID-19 outbreak.
On Vulnerable Communities
2 The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the national food security. A May 2020 survey by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed that many families had their incomes reduced, and some lost their jobs altogether. Due to a shift in these economic conditions such as unemployment, cuts in salary, and higher food prices, the pandemic triggered “a food security and nutrition crisis of historic proportions.”
3 Given the scarce resources of the low-income population, they are left with no other choice than to deal with challenges when exposed to socioeconomic catastrophes. In this case, a food crisis like never before.
Pandemic Hunger in Metro Manila
4 The National Capital Region (NCR) faced the hardest hit from COVID-19, which led to major disruptions in the food supply chain—affecting everything from production to distribution. This made it especially difficult for low-income families to secure enough food. Although the government implemented the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to help struggling households, the support was not enough to sustain families beyond May 2020.
5 As one of the most densely populated areas, Metro Manila saw the highest rates of food insecurity at 14% in September 2021, as reported by the Social Weather Stations (SWS). To somehow manage and survive difficult conditions during the pandemic, many families had to cut back on food or resort to cheaper alternatives. The lack of proper nutrition and frequent meal-skipping weakened immune systems, which left people more vulnerable to viruses and diseases at the time.
6 The persistent issue of food insecurity in the Philippines is deeply intertwined with constant economic decline, emerging health crises, and persistent poverty. While there may be enough food supply, the real challenge lies in ensuring fair access to safe and nutritious food. For many low-income families in Metro Manila, high market prices and limited job opportunities meant that even when food was available, they still struggled to feed their families.
7 Addressing this crisis requires more than just enough food supply; it demands economic stability and equal access to resources. Poverty and food insecurity are closely linked, especially when considering access to nutritious and preferred food choices. Ensuring that every Filipino has access to adequate nutrition and safe food options must remain a top priority as the country moves forward post-pandemic.
SOURCES [1] COVID PULSE PH: Urban poverty in the time of the pandemic. (2020, November 24). UNDP. https://www.undp.org/philippines/publications/covid-pulse-ph-urban-poverty-time-pandemic, [2] Panti, L. & GMA Integrated News. (2024, May 1). SWS: Nationwide hunger rate up to 14.2%, Metro Manila hunger at worst with 19%. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/905355/sws-nationwide-hunger-rate-up-to-14-2-metro-manila-hunger-at-worst-with-19/story/, [3] Angeles-Agdeppa, I., Javier, C. A., Duante, C. A., & Maniego, M. L. V. (2022). Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on household food security and access to social protection programs in the Philippines: findings from a telephone Rapid Nutrition Assessment survey. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 43(2), 213–231. https://doi.org/10.1177/03795721221078363
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