Mdpn. Hans Ibert David & Mdpn. Francis Baldemor
Participants of the Zero Hunger Summit at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc.'s JBL Hall stressed the significance of collective action in ending hunger and malnutrition, with plans to initiate these joint efforts within the next one to two months.
Various stakeholders, including community leaders, Local Government Unit (LGU) officials, social workers, military personnel, students and faculty of JBLFMU-Arevalo, convened to strategize and launch action plans aimed at promoting Zero Hunger and empowering communities on March 7.
During the morning sessions of the 2024 Zero Hunger Summit-Iloilo, attendees were provided with an overview of the prevailing hunger and nutrition landscape in Western Visayas, along with diverse strategies to address the Zero Hunger initiative.
Inspirational stories were shared, including that of Mrs. Sheryl Anne Mallorca, Head Nutritionist of Oton's Rural Health Unit (RHU), who highlighted the initiatives undertaken within their communities, emphasizing, "Ang solusyon sa gutom ay ikaw, kung nasaan ka ngayon" (The solution to hunger is you, wherever you may be).
The day concluded with presentations from esteemed Zero Hunger Champions across Region VI, namely Capiz, Bacolod, and Iloilo. The event is in partnership with the university's Community Extension Services (CES) Office.
Moreover, key organizations, including the National Nutrition Council, Century Pacific Food Inc., and Gawad Kalinga, contributed insights during the morning sessions, aligning with the objectives of the summit.
"Adults who care are the solution to child hunger," Mark Lawrence Cruz, Gawad Kalinga Programs Head and Zero Hunger Alliance National Coordinator, said as he reiterated the role of community engagement in addressing child hunger.
The Zero Hunger Summit aims to promote their hashtag, #ZeroHunger2030 with the vision of using step-by-step actions to the point that hunger, is eradicated in the next six years.
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