Addressing hunger

Gawad Kalinga Development Foundation urged the Capizenos to declare every barangay “Zero Hunger.”

Considering that there are more than 2,000 malnourished children in the province of Capiz, Mark Lawrence Cruz, Kusina ng Kalinga program head of Gawad Kalinga (GK), presented the five approaches to address or solve hunger during the recent Zero Hunger Summit held at the Governor’s Hall, Capitol Building, Roxas City.

He cited the 5 Ms as Magtulongan – which is helping each other; Magpakain – giving food to the hungry or adopting the feeding program; Magtanim – encouraging everyone to plant vegetables to feed the children; magpakalusog – finding ways to reach healthy children; and mag-connect – tapping individuals or institutions to become partners in any endeavor addressing hunger, and eliminate malnourished children.

These approaches will ensure that no kid is left hungry, Cruz said.

Cruz cited the SWS survey that shows 95 kids die every day because of hunger.

Also, he explained that malnutrition causes stunted growth in children. The Philippines is number two in Asia with stunted children.

Cruz also said, “We solve hunger if we care and share. What you invest today is for the future of the children. Hunger ends when caring begins. ”

After lunch, the participants in the summit drafted their plans of action on what to do to address hunger, which will lead to “Zero Hunger Capiz,” by adopting the 5M’s approaches of GK.

Meanwhile, Gov. Fredenil Castro did not deny the problem of hunger or malnourished children.

He stressed that the provincial government will support any effort that will combat hunger.

He also said the Capiz has started already scouting jobs for job placement opportunities to provide jobs for the jobless.*