QUEZON CITY -- As the country’s primary agency for promoting agricultural development and food security, the Department of Agriculture (DA) led the country’s celebration of World Food Day (WFD) on October 17, 2022 at the DA Grounds in Diliman, Quezon City.

The Republic of the Philippines is one of 150 countries participating in the WFD 2022 and other various organizations concerned with hunger and food security. WFD is celebrated every 16th of October of every year in commemoration of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO).

This year’s theme: “Leave NO ONE behind. Better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life” promotes worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure healthy diets for all, leaving no one behind. Thru this campaign, we renew our commitment to take part in actions that ensure everyone, everywhere, has access to safe and nutritious food.

Every year, the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) leads the country’s celebration of World Food Day as it reaffirms its commitment to raise awareness on food security concerns and promote collective action towards ensuring healthy diets for all by holding events and activities that bring together stakeholders to create a better and more sustainable future for all.

This year’s celebration focus on the distribution of “Meat in a Box” by the DA-National Meat Inspection Service and pasteurized milk by the DA- National Dairy Authority for mothers and daycare and elementary pupils of Brgy. Vasra, Quezon City. It also features photo exhibit of the Department’s accomplishments and targets towards a productive and empowered agriculture sector and a food-secure Philippines.

Senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Food and Agriculture and representatives from both the UN FAO and World Food Programme (WFP) joined the celebration.

According to the FAO, this year’s WFD is notable for facing “multiple global challenges including the ongoing [COVID-19] pandemic, conflict, climate change, rising prices[,] and international tensions” that have been threatening the attainment of food security across the globe. (KYVergara, DA-AFID)