CHILDREN have the right to be as healthy as possible, and ensuring the safety of their food is a critical component of safeguarding that right.
To spotlight this pressing issue, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), and the Child Rights Network (CRN) Philippines, in collaboration with the House of Representatives Committees on the Welfare of Children and Health, will host a four-day exhibit from January 27 to 30, 2025, at the South Wing Annex Lobby of the House of Representatives.
The exhibit, “Ensuring Safety of Children’s Food in the Philippines: Prioritizing Children’s Health and Nutrition through Legislative Intervention,” aims to underscore the crucial role of government agencies in maintaining high-quality standards for food and beverages for children. It also emphasizes the importance of legislative action in addressing challenges such as malnutrition, food safety, and public awareness of proper child nutrition.
CRN Convenor Romeo Dongeto explained that the exhibit serves as a timely reminder of the country’s responsibility to its youngest citizens. “We must not delay action to protect our children. Every unsafe meal, every substandard product is a stolen opportunity for a child to thrive,” Dongeto said.
Central to the exhibit is the work of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), whose regulatory oversight of food products is vital to ensuring children receive safe and nutritious food. These measures are particularly critical in vulnerable communities where persistent malnutrition and food insecurity remain.
The FDA’s efforts align with Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which underscores every child’s right to the highest attainable standard of health.
“Children have the fundamental right to good nutrition, which is crucial for their growth, development, and future success,” said Behzad Noubary, Acting Representative for UNICEF Philippines. “A UNICEF report on child nutrition shows that malnutrition costs the global economy over US$3.5 trillion each year over lost productivity, places significant strain on health systems, and limits the potential of future generations. Protecting and improving child nutrition, especially in the critical first 1,000 days of life, is key to ensuring every child can survive and thrive.”
The event will also highlight the continuing relevance of the Philippine Milk Code of 1986 (Executive Order No. 51), which promotes breastfeeding while ensuring that breastmilk substitutes and supplements are used responsibly and marketed ethically. Misleading or irresponsible marketing of these products could endanger infant health, making FDA regulation a cornerstone of child safety and nutrition efforts.
Dongeto stressed that breastfeeding remains the gold standard in child nutrition but acknowledged the importance of ensuring that breastmilk substitutes, when necessary, meet the highest safety standards.
“Parents and caregivers deserve reliable information and safe options for their children. It’s not just about regulation; it’s about creating a future where every child can grow up strong and healthy,” Dongeto underlined.
The FDA’s role extends beyond food products, encompassing the regulation of veterinary drugs and biologics used in animals intended for human consumption. This oversight helps protect families from potential food-borne risks, ensuring the health of Filipino households.
The four-day photo exhibit will bring lawmakers, advocates, and health professionals together to foster dialogue and inspire action to strengthen the country’s food safety regulations.
The groups noted that it is not only an advocacy event but also a rallying cry for collective responsibility.
“It is our solemn duty as a nation to ensure that we nourish and care for our children, ensuring that they are given proper nutrition and grow in a healthy environment. Every one of us must fulfill that duty,” Dongeto ended.
