Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) joined the World Food Day 2024 celebration with the theme “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future. Leave No One Behind,” on October 16, 2024 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. 

Led by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the celebration highlights the country’s commitment to achieving zero hunger and emphasizing the importance of access to adequate and nutritious food.

“(Let’s) make the right to food a reality in the country, Not only by addressing hunger but also strengthening and modernizing the entire agriculture system.” said FAO Country Representative Lionel Henri Valentin Dabbadie, commending the DA’s effort not only by addressing hunger but also strengthening and modernizing the entire agriculture system. 

He also urged every government office, civil society organizations, the private sector, communities, and stakeholder to accelerate efforts and recommit to the urgent task of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. He ended the speech by saying “Sama-sama makakamit natin ang isang mundong walang gutom. Umpisahan natin ngayon na.”   

“The Department (of Agriculture) is committed to its mandate as the country’s primary agency for agricultural development. It will continue to support initiatives of not only the FAO, but also of every individual, government agency, and institution in ensuring that no one is denied his or her right to food,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a recorded message, assuring that the DA has always dedicated its resources to attaining food safety and security, economic development, agricultural sustainability, climate resilience, and other developmental goals.

Additionally, Senator Cynthia Villar discussed the laws and policies that she supported in the Senate to advance sustainability, food security for all Filipinos, and the welfare of the agriculture and fishery sectors.

In a recorded message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assures that his administration remains steadfast in boosting the agriculture sector alongside various social programs for those who are most vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition. He added that while they have made commendable strides in these fronts, having the WFD to shed light on the gravity of the issue that generates greater participation is a crucial step towards achieving the goals for the people.

“I enjoin the entire nation, especially those belonging to the industries that are vital to producing and delivering foods across the country to use this year’s theme as a guide post in continuing our endeavors. When we join hands to uphold our peoples’ right to food then we also provide them with a better life and a better future,” President Marcos assured.

During the event, the DA officials led by Undersecretary Allan Q. Umali also recognized the 2024 Nationwide World Food Day On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest National Winners.

DA also recognized the outstanding contributions of women-farmers for the steadfast growth of Philippine agriculture during the culmination of the World Food Day celebration for the year. Last October 16, nine (9) rural women were presented as finalists of the 2024 DA Search for Outstanding Rural Women (SORW). 

Personnel from PFDA  - Navotas Fish Port Complex (NFPC) also attended the Lighting of Candles and Declaration of 2024 World Food Day Pledge led by DA Assistant Secretary for Administration Atty. Kristopher A. Anarna.

(Robert Gregory Q. Elardo with photos from Katherine Ericka H. Cornejo – Public Information Division)