The Hidden Hunger

A seven year old girl, named Mary jane, was rushed to the emergency room of the local hospital. "She fainted!" her mother yelled. "She was not able to eat breakfast this morning even though we prepared enough. She must be hungry."

After the doctor checked Mary Jane and a series of test. The doctor said "shes not just hungry... she has hidden hunger. we call it Iron Deficiency Anemia".

Are Filipinos hungry?

Recent survey says that hunger in Philippines declined to 15.7% from 21.5% in September 2007. According to the SWS, this is specifically involuntary hunger, which means, suffering hunger but not necessarily mean not having anything to eat. Good to know that our government is trying its best to reduce hunger but its a long way to go.

The same survey says that in Mindanao, 15.3 percent says that the moderately hungry which means they are suffering only once or a few times in the previous 3 months.

The Hidden hunger or Micronutrient malnutrition on the other hand is still high especially in the case of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). According to the study conducted by Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) in 2003, there is an increasing incidence of IDA in infants at 66% from 56%, likewise it was found out that 50.3% of pregnant women and 42% of lactating women were anemic.

IDA causes Fatigue, low productivity and apathy among adults and poor school performance among children.

We have managed to reduce hunger and there is alarming increase of hidden hunger most of infants, children, pregnant and lactating mothers.

In 2000, The RA 8976 or the Philippine Food Fortification Act 2000 was signed into law. Its government strategy to reduce the hidden hunger. It aims to increase dietary intake of Vitamin A, Iron and Iodine equivalent to 50% of recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) contributed by fortified food.

RA 8976 mandates the fortification of staple food to include Rice with Iron, flour with Vitamin A and Iron, Edible Oil with Vitamin A, and Sugar with Vitamin A.

The Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), Depatment of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Nutrition Council (NNC), National Food Authority (NFA), Local Government Units (LGU), and other non-government organizations are working together to reduce micro-nutrient malnutrition.

"DI LANG BUSOG DAPAT MALUSOG!" (Not just full but also healthy) are one of the slogans used by the advocates against hidden hunger. Indeed, rice could be available but is it healthy? Fortified Rice should be made available to everybody.

Today, the GRAINS FORTIFICANT Marketing Inc. and AGRI-SENSE ENTERPRISES is helping reduce the Iron-Deficiency Anemia by having Iron Fortified Rice Premix or Colored Rice available to grassroots level. Colored rice is the only fortified premix approved by the DOH and BFAD in Mindanao if not Nationwide. This is manufactured by CG Foods by coating the common rice mixed with Iron (Ferrous Sulfate) and passed the standards set by BFAD.

The program is now implemented in Region XI. Fastfood chains like Chowking, Jollibee, McDonald, other food establishments in Davao are serving not only rice but iron-fortified rice. Other neighboring cities like Tagum, Panabo, Island Garden City of Samal, Mati, and municipalities of Bansalan, Matanao, and Magsaysay are making every effort to have Iron Fortified Rice in their areas.

For more information contact jxysl2000@yahoo.com.

Rice shortage - does it mean food shortage in Mindanao?

Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, CBCP head, lately called to have alternative food for energy such as sweet potato (camote), corn, or cassava. Further, Ma. Teresa Ungson, Regional Coordinator of National Nutrition Council XI, also stressed that Filipinos should practice dietary diversification. I agree with them.

Is there really rice shortage? I don't believe so! Not in Mindanao! We still have fertile soil. We can plant root crops that has higher energy than rice. And mind you, if you happen to visit Davao City, have dinner at barbeque restaurants there is a signage saying "UNLIMITED RICE". Sounds unbelievable but true. Not only that, Davao City is the only City in Philippines that serves IRON-FORTIFIED RICE too in food establishments.

The real question is? Are we managing our soils enough to maintain productivity? or we just want to produce more and sacrificing the fertlity of our soil? If we continually use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, doesn't practice crop rotation, and doesn't practice soil conservation, I believe in a decade, Philippines would not only have rice shortage but food shortage as well. Who is to blame? Our Government? GMA? or the Farmers it self? No one is to be blamed at rather we (each and everyone) should do our best and exert every effort to have a sustainable food supply. We often finger point our leaders yet we don't realize we also have a role in food stability. I suppose the senators would do there role too and not only tinker of 2010 elections.

A month ago I heard that rice fortification with iron is being pushed especially in Region XI. I admire such efforts of DOH through the NNC-XI in iniating and implementing such program to address malnutrition problem particularly iron deficiency anemia. Nevertheless, I was amazed that the National Food Authority (NFA) have tried to hinder and question the innovative strategies on iron rice premix (eg. iron-premix in sachet) yet today THERE IS RICE SHORTAGE! Why does NFA failed to focus in ensuring adequate rice supply in the country? nor supportive to the efforts of DOH in iron rice fortification? I hope they (NFA) realize these.

Mindanao farmers continues to practice Sustainable Agriculture. Go Natural Farming! From Rice to Vegetable to Chicken to Goats and to Swine! Go on Mindanao!