Food on the go

“Food is an important part of a balance diet.” — Franz Lebowitz

“Let them eat cake!” is one of the more (in)famous phrases in human history. It has been attributed to the then Queen of France Maria Antoinette, who reportedly offered the reply when informed that the people of France were starving. Her utterance of the phrase has long been used as a critique of the general selfishness of the French upper class. Alas, much like Nero fiddling while Rome burned, Marie Antoinette uttering “Let them eat cake!” is a historical chestnut; in other words, she did not say it. Whether erroneous or not, the story has become part of pop culture representing the callousness that some people have for those in need.

There are five basic necessities that humans need for survival: food, clothing, water, shelter and air. In recent years the list has been expanded to include education (of which we whole-heartedly agree) and healthcare. In some lists, for example Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, only food, water and air are included in the list of physical needs. We feel that shelter and clothing are an essential part of preserving human dignity and should be included in any list. Further, with the advent of the technology age and the era of globalization, education is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. At a minimum, people should be provided with access to the five basic necessities of life; especially in times of calamity. 

Between typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng we have a looming food crisis. We have heard reports that 90% of the rice harvest was destroyed (over 200,000 tons of rice). This does not even include the destruction of agriculture produce in Pangasinan, Pampanga and Baguio. The government has insisted that we have enough food supplies to last until the end of the year, but by early 2010 we will be facing food shortages. Others are reporting that food shortages are going to become common-place very soon. Food consumption always increases as the holiday season (with its attendant fiestas, parties and get-togethers) approaches, we hope that this is being included in the government’s forecasts. This may be a time to revisit austerity programs (in government and civil society) as well.

Last year, it was reported that the Philippines was the world’s largest rice importer. With the current situation will only continue this trend. However, we need to approach our looming food crisis from a balanced perspective and with solutions that will not potentially bankrupt the country. We recommend that a non-partisan and independent commission be set-up to study the current food situation in the Philippines and offer recommendations. The commission should be composed of government officials, civic leaders, scientists and non-profit organizations that specialize in food-related issues.

Mindanao and the breadbasket regions of the south were relatively untouched by the recent calamities. They are a source for rice and fresh produce for Metro Manila and the hard-hit provinces that should be utilized. Remember, it is scientifically proven that a balanced and healthy diet must include fresh vegetables and fruit. If we cannot source these items we could very well have a crisis of malnutrition on our hands.   In the long-term plan for food production in the Philippines, we should also study investing and expanding agricultural production in different areas of the Philippines (such as Mindanao) to ensure adequate food supply when one part of the country is hard hit by a typhoon or earthquake. If we can come up with a strategic plan, encompassing rapid delivery of food products, diverse production in different regions and long-term grain and rice storage we can more effectively handle the food issue in future calamities. If it in the short term, we have to import rice, grains and produce to meet short term needs, all bids should be done through a public and transparent auction.

We should avoid at all costs the potential for a Marie Antoinette situation in the Philippines.