EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIUPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
)
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SENATE 
S. B. No. 2126
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
RECEIVED
FILED
TIME
AN ACT
ENSURING ZERO HUNGER FOR ALL FILIPINOS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The government response to the pandemic have had both a positive and a 
negative Impact on the lives of the people, the environment, and on the nation's 
economy. Health authorities agree that the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) 
Imposed by tiie government helped cuit) the spread of the new coronavirus to more 
people. The( cash assistance under the Bayanlhan to Heal as One Act provided much- 
needed relief especially to households that lost their means of living as a result of the 
lockdown. However, not all the target beneficiaries of the subsidies have received the 
aid.
The lockdown, however, had the most serious effect on everyone, and the 
ecoystems that are critical for food production perhaps would have the most long-lasting 
impact. By tiie end of April 2020, the country's unemployment rate ballooned to 17.7% 
and 7.3 million Rllplnos were left jobless. This is the highest unemployment rate in 15 
years. However, unemployment Is only one aspect of the massive job destruction and 
earnings losses caused by the quarantine and lockdown. Other labor market Impacts 
include 8 million jobs lost (causing 5 million more unemployed and 3 million more outside 
the labor force); 1 million new jobs foregone (average annual job creation In last three 
years); 12 million workers with jobs but did not work due to the ECQ (including no-work- 
no-pay workers); and 5 million underemployed (worthed less than 40 hours) due to the 
ECQ. Daily wage earners, or those employed under the no-work-no-pay labor policy, are 
among the hardest hit by the lockdown.
Job destruction spared no sector, subsector, occupation, class of worker, or region. 
While the ECQ was limited to Luzon, job losses hit all regions roughly in proportion to


their share In employment prior to the ECQ, Indicating that government's response rather 
than Covld-19 Itself gutted the labor market. The burden of unemployment 
disproportionately fell on older workers and workers with less education. The number of 
unemployed rose five to flve-and-a-half times among workers 45 years and older, and 
tripled among younger workers. It quadrupled among those who did not finish high school 
and doubled among those who at least finished high school.1
The country's first quarter GDP contracted by 0.2 percent, the lowest quarterly 
growth In more than 20 years2 after 84 straight quarters of growth.3 Government had 
previously targeted 6.5% to 7.5% GDP growth for 2020, but this target will clearly not 
be met Oxford Economics estimates that, as a result of the lockdown, the country lost 
roughly PhP 1.13 trillion or 5.8 % of Its GDP.4
Even worse, millions of workers and their families have lost their sources of 
income, the food supply chain has been severely disrupted and those who live In poverty 
have suffered economic dislocation, heightened uncertainty and even panic. Many 
Informal sector workers, who earn based on "no work, no pay" tried to defy the travel 
ban;5 some were arrested and treated poorly.
Based on the business rapid assessment survey for agriculture and fisheries sector 
conducted by the National Economic Development Authority, php 94.3 million was lost 
from unsold produce in the country during the 45-day lockdown period In Luzon. The 
fisheries sector contributed to php 8.78 million direct losses from unsold produce in Luzon, 
with the biggest chunk coming from CALABARZON at php3.27 million, followed by Central 
Luzon with php 2.15 million.6
For the near future, many fear that what the country will suffer will be worse than 
what it suffered during the global financial crisis In 2008. The country Is felling Into
1 clarence Pascual. 'Labor Market Carnage: 26 Million Workers Lose Jobs, Earnings During ECO," June 9,2020.
2 Anri Chlmura, 'PH GDP Declines by 0.2% In First Quarter of 2020, The Lowest Quarterly Growth In More Than 20 
Years,' May 7,.2020, https://www.esqulremag.ph/money/industry/ph-ql-2020-decllne-a00304-20200507 
accessed on May 30,2020.
3 Ben 0. de Vera, 'PH output losses due to COVID-19 lockdown highest in Ascan-5, says UK think tank,' May 7, 
2020, https://buslness.lnquIrer.net/29671B/ph-output-Iosses-due-to-covid-19-Iockdown-hIghest-ln-asean-5-says- 
uk-thtnk-tank#lm6Nn6Bfssr accessed on May 29,2020.
4 Ben 0. de Vera, 'PH output losses due to COVlD-19 lockdown highest In Asean-S, says UK think tank,' May 7, 
2020,http$.7/busInessJnqulrer.net/296718/ph-output-losses-due-to-covId-19-lockdown-hlghesMn-osean'5-says- 
uk-think-tanklflxzz6Nn6Bfssr accessed on May 29,2020.
3 Manuel M. Dayrit and Ronald U. Mendoza, 'COVID-19: Countering the Economic Contagion,' March 24,
2020, http$:/Ahedlplomatcom/2020/03/covld-19-countcrlng-the-economIc-contagIon/ accessed on May 31, 
2020.
6 Inter-Agency Task Force Technical Working Group for Anticipatory and Forward Planning. (2020). We recover as 
one. National Economic Development Authority.


recession In 2020, with bank and other economists predicting slower GDP growth, rather 
than labeling It outright as recession. The Aslan Development Bank projects the 
Philippines' GDP to grow at 2.0% In 2020 but expects a strong recovery to 6.5% GDP 
growth In 2021, assuming that COVID-19 Infections In the country Is still rising. But ADB 
warned that economic recovery may lag If Its engines—the supply chain, businesses, and 
their workforce—cannot be jumpstarted as soon as possible. ADB projects that the 
Philippines may shed over 4 percent of GDP from a domestic COVID-19 outbreak, on top 
of a smaller less than 2 percent of GDP Impact coming from global spillovers. According 
to the ADB, a less-desirable U-shape recovery Is possible If disrupted supply chains are 
not restored quickly, workers are not rehlred Immediately, or businesses are slow to 
restart operations In the Philippines. While 2020 will be a challenge for the Philippine 
economy, the ADB said the country's expansionary government policies should fadlitatfi 
an upturn In 2021. In 2021, the ADB sees Philippine GDP growth to settle at the lower 
end of the government's 6.5 to 7.5 percent target7
Due to the limitations on movement, work and economic activity, life under 
lockdown has been extremely difficult, especially for those already Impoverished, the 
homeless and daily wage earners. Unable to work, unable to feed their families, those 
who live in poverty feared more of dying of hunger rather than of COVID-19.8 Meals were 
severely Inadequate: one plate of rice doused with soy sauce shared by a family of seven; 
two meals a day, one consisting of sardines and the other of noodles;9 plates of rice with 
soy sauce and oil;10 many ate nothing at all.11
7 Ben O. de Vera, *COVlt)-19 Impact: PH economic health hinges on return of workers, businesses, supply chain,
says ADB,*’ April 3,2020, https://buslness.lnqulrer.net/294064/covid-19-lmpact-ph-economlc-health-hlnges-on- 
retum-of-workers-buslnesses-suppIy-chaIn-says-adbffIx2z6Nye401LE.acces$ed on May 31,2020.
* Jason Guterrez, The New York times, 'Will we die hungry? A teeming Manila slum chafes under lockdown," April 
17,2020, https://www.nytlme$.com/2020/04/15/world/a$la/manlla-coronavlrus-lockdown-slum.html accessed on 
May 28,2020; see Elolsa Lopez, Reuters, "In Philippine slums, heat, hunger take a toll under lockdown," 
httpsV/wvAV.reuters.com/artIcIe/us-health-coronavIrus-phlllpplne$-slums/in-phnippIne-slums-heat-hunger-take-a- 
toll-under-lockdown-ldUSKBN231150 accessed on May 28,2020; see also Rambo Talabong and Jodcsz Gavllan, 
Rappler, "Walang-wala na’ Poor Filipinos fear death from hunger more than coronavlrus," April 2,2020,
https;//www.rappIer.com/newsbreak/in-depth/2S6695-poor-fllIpInos-fear-death-from-hunger-morc-than-
coronavlrus accessed on May 28,2020.
9 Elolsa Lopez, Reuters, 'In Philippine slums, heat, hunger take a toll under lockdown,"
httpsV/www.reuters.com/artlcIe/us-health-coronavlrus-phlllpplnes-sIums/ln-phlllppIne-sIums-heat-hunger-take-a- 
totl-under-lockdown-ldUSKBN231150 accessed on May 28,2020.
10 Rambo Talabong and Jodesz Gavllan, Rappler, "Walang-wala na' Poor Filipinos fear death from hunger more 
than coronavlrus," April 2,2020, https://www.rappIer.com/ncwsbrcak/In-depth/2S6695-poor-filIpInos-fear-death- 
from-hunger-more-than-coronavirus accessed on May 28,2020.
11 Rambo Talabong and Jodesz Gavllan, Rappler, "Walang-wala na' Poor Filipinos fear death from hunger more 
than coronavlrus," April 2,2020, https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/ln-depth/256695-poor-fiIIplnos-fear-death- 
from-hunger-more-than-coronavlrus accessed on May 28,2020.


Hunger drove some Rllpinos to the streets. Just 15 days Into ECQ/ on April 1,2020, 
dozens of residents of Sltlo San Roque, Quezon Oty, and members of Samahan Ng 
Magkakapltijahayang North Triangle Association (SAMANA), occupied a section of EDSA 
in Quezon Qty, some demanding food assistance from government, while others thought 
that food aid would be distributed there. Rallies, protest actions, and mass actions, 
however, are prohibited during the lockdown. Police dispersed the crowd and arrested 21 
people and detained them at Camp Karingal, the Quezon Qty Police District headquarters, 
where, Ironically, they were held without proper physical distancing. They were charged 
with violating the public assembly law, noncooperation under Republic Act No. 11332, 
disobedience of a lawful order, spreading of false Information and impeding access to 
roads. They posted bail, largely with the assistance of sympathetic people and were 
eventually released after spending five days In jail. All those arrested represented those 
who were hungry and unable to wori< due to the quarantine.
The real healtii disaster is still ahead of us. It will not be enough to provide short 
term solutions. There should be a long-term perspective to strike at the root of the 
problem to be able to provide a secure future and ensure the right to food of all Filipinos.
Food not only satisfies hunger. More importantly, and this is elementary but still 
worth repeating, food fortifies the body to enable a person to be a productive member 
of society and to help fight against any ailment That is the reason that the right to food 
Is a human right to life.
Under the present condition, food must be one of the highest priorities In fund 
allocation for national spending to show the national government's commitment In taldng 
the lead toward food self-suffidency in order to address the weak performance of the 
agriculture sector that has been attributed to the failures and shorta}mings in the policy 
and institutional environment
There are glaring gaps In domestic legislation that has to be addressed to ensure 
freedom from hunger. The Philippines does not have a legal framework governing the 
right to adequate food (RTAF). There is a lack of national comprehensive policy on hunger 
and poverty eradication and there is no particular provision in the 1987 constitution on 
freedom from hunger. There is a need to rationalize all existing laws policies, decrees and 
Issuances relevant to hunger and poverty (conflicting policies cause crises In program 
planning and Implementation). The national budget does not reflect the obligation of the 
government to eradicate hunger, thus creating Issues of poor performance In the 
Implementation of laws related to food as can be seen in the lack of government support


to agriculture, fisheries and agrarian reform and the lack of safeguards to cushion the 
negative effects of food price volatility.
These all lead to economic and political uncertainties and the multiple risks 
associated with unclear policies and how this in turn heightens the vulnerability of the 
poor to hunger and malnutrition directly affected by the Impact of the lockdown, Including 
environmental and climate change.
With this as backdrop, this proposed law will set a platform to correct this anomaly 
in order to pave the way to achieve an Inclusive, social, equal and sustainable growth 
and development to ensure food for all Rllpinos.
The Immediate passage of this law Is earnestly sought
RISA HONTIVEROS V


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
S, B. No.
)
)
)
SENATE
2126
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVERl
TIME¥
AN ACT
ENSURING ZERO HUNGER FOR ALL FILIPINOS
Be It enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress Assembled:
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Sec. 1. S/iod We. - This Act shall be known as "Ensuring Zero Hunger for All
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Rllplnos."
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Consistent with the principles enshrined in the
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Constitution as well as the provisions of the International Covenant on Economic, Social
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and Cultural Rights, Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the
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Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, to which the Philippines Is a
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State Party, It is hereby declared the policy of the State to guarantee the rightto adequate
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food.
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Article II of the 1987 Constitution states:
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Section 9. The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure
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the prosperity and Independence of the nation and free the people from poverty
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through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment,
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a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.
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Section 11. TTie State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees
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full respect for human rights.
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Section 21. The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and
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agrarian reform.
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Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights provides:
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1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to
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an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food,
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clothing and housing, and to the continuous Improvement of living conditions. The
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States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right,
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recognizing to this effect the essential Importance of International cooperation
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based on free consent.
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2. The States Parties to the present Covenant, recognizing the fundamental right
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of everyone to be free from hunger, shall take. Individually and through
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International co-operation, the measures. Including specific programmes, which
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are needed:
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(a) To Improve methods of production, conservation and distribution of food
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by making full use of technical and scientific knowledge, by disseminating
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knowledge of the principles of nutrition and by developing or reforming
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agrarian systems In such a way as to achieve the most efficient
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development and utilization of natural resources;
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(b) Taking Into account the problems of both food-importing and food-
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exporting countries, to ensure an equitable distribution of world food
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supplies in relation to need.
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Freedom from hunger Is a fundamental entitlement of every Rllpino, but It remains a
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significant challenge In the country, with official statistics showing an Inaease In the 
is Incidence of hunger among Rllpinos during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Hunger is Inconsistent with the principles of equity, social Justice and Improved quality of
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life enshrined In the 1987 Constitution and with human dignity and human rights, and
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must be eliminated.
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The Philippines has committed Itself to end hunger and eradicate poverty by 2030, as
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part of the Sustainable Development Goals.
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One of the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 Is to reduce poverty
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significantly.
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There Is a pressing need to reexamine and calibrate government policy to
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comprehensively eliminate hunger.
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The whole of government must take positive steps toward ending hunger progressively
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In a coherent, accountable, transparent and organized manner, with the active
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partidpation of the population and without any form of discrimination.
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Adequate food Is not a matter of charity, but a legal entitlement. Hunger is Inconsistent
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with human dignity and human rights, and must be eliminated. The State shall provide
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for a framework to address and eliminate hunger In an organized manner.
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Sec. 3. Freedom fwm Hunger. - Every person has a right to be free from hunger.
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Hunger refers to a condition In which people do not get enough food to eat to provide
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the necessary nutrients for a fully productive, active and healthy living due to the
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unavailability and Inaccessibility of food. It can be acute, such as during a major disaster
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when food supply channels are cut, or chronic, when people are regularly not getting
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enough food to conduct an active life for a long time. It Is also a condition of starvation,


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which Is not having enough food of any sort to eat, or undernourishment, which Is having 
food but of Inadequate quality. Every person suffering from hunger or malnutrition or at 
risk of suffering from hunger or undemutritlon Is entitled to a minimum amount of food 
according to one's age, sex, health status and occupation, as provided for In Section 13.
Sec. 4. Condition to Remain Free from Hunger. - For every Rllplno to remain free 
from hunger, s/he must live In conditions that will enable him/her:
a) To feed directly from productive land or other natural resources, or rely 
on well functioning food distribution, processing and market systems, or 
both;
b) To financially acquire a sufficient quantity and quality of food and to satisfy 
other basic needs;
c) To be safe from the risk of losing access to food, as a consequence of 
sudden shocks, such as an economic or climatic crisis, or one that Is 
brought about by a national health emergency such as the COVlD-19 
pandemic, or one that caused the Internal displacement of people, or 
cyclical events, such as seasonal food scarcity;
d) To have the opportunity of good food utilization through access to 
adequate diet, clean water, sanitation and health care and to reach a state 
of nutritional well being where all physiological needs are met; and
e) To access food or diet that Is the most appropriate under given 
circumstances. In terms of their nutritional value and cultural acceptability.
0 All Departments and attached agencies and bureaus shall ensure that their 
rules and regulations, plans and programs, activities and projects are 
focused on creating and/or maintaining the above conditions.
Sec. 5. Eradication of Hunger by2030. —The State shall ensure that. In two- and- 
a-half (2-1/2) years after the effecOvlty of this Act, the Incidence of hunger will be reduced 
by twenty-five percent (25%) from the level recorded at the time of the passage of this 
Act. Provided, That five (5) years after the effectivity of this Act, such Incidence of hunger 
will be further reduced by twenty-five percent (25%): Provided, further. That In seven 
and a half (71/2) years. It will be further reduced by twenty-five percent (25%): Provided, 
finally. That by 2030, there shall be zero Incidence of hunger.
Sec. 6. Fully Integrated Whole of Government Approach to Eradicate Hunger. -To 
eliminate hunger by 2030, the State adopts a comprehensive whole-of-govemment 
approach to policy and plan development and Implementation, program management and 
service delivery. All Departments and their attached agencies and bureaus shall work


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together across portfolio boundaries to achieve an Integrated government response to
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eliminate hunger. In particular, all departments and their attached agencies shall:
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a) Plan, program and budget in conjunction with each other;
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b) Collaborate in the review, design and delivery of policy, programs and
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services;
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c) Coordinate and communicate through formal and Informal channels
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toward more timely and effective Implementation of policy decisions;
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d). Implement policies In an Integrated manner;
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e) Share Information and data and cooperate in knowledge management;
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f) Effectively align policies, programs, activities and projects;
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g) Share reporting duties; and
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h) Engage with civil society organizations, business and the private sector,
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and ensure their active participation in policy, plan and program design
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and implementation.
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Sec. 7. Commission on the Right to Adequate Pood. - There is hereby created a
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Commission on the Right to Adequate Food, hereinafter referred to as the Commission,
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which shall be attached to the Office of the President
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The commission shall be the primary policy-making and coordinating body to guarantee
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full exerdse of the right to adequate food. It shall exercise monitoring and oversight
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functions, apply human rights principles, conduct objective Impact assessment on all
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government policies, programs and projects prior to adoption and implementation, work
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in dose cooperation, and coordination with relevant government agendes and In
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consultations with dvil sodety organizations and the private sector, and use all available
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resources [of the government and private bodies or organizations] for the efRdent and
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effective Implementation of this Act
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It shall formulate a National Food Policy (NFPj) and implement programs of action to
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eradicate hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable
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agriculture, [in coordination with relevant government agencies and In consultation with
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dvil sodety organizations and the private sector.
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The commission on the Right to Adequate Food will have the following powers:
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a) Receive complaints of violations of the right to adequate food from
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individuals and groups;
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b) Investigate, motu propio, or upon complaint by any party, all forms of
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violations of the right to adequate food;
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c) Adopt operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and dte for
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contempt for their violation. In accordance with the Rules of Court


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d) Provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of the right to
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adequate food of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Philippine
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citizens residing abroad, and provide for preventive measures and legal
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aid services to the under-privileged whose right to adequate food has
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been violated or needs protection;
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e) Establish a continuing program of research, education and Information to
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enhance respect for the primacy of the right to adequate food;
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f) Recommend to Congress effective measures to promote the right to
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adequate food, to harmonize existing laws affecting the right to adequate
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food, to ensure their complementation, and the availability of remedies
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for violations and compensation to victims of violations of the right to
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adequate food;
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g) Evaluate key programs of agencies and monitor agency local and national
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government compliance with obligations In regard to the right to
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adequate food;
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h) Together with the DBM, lead toe conduct of national local- or Inter- local
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convergence planning and budgeting pertaining to programs
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Implementing right to adequate food and food security;
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1) Request toe assistance of any Department, bureau, office or agency in
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toe performance of Its functions;
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j) Appoint officers and employees in accordance with law; and
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k) Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.
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The commission shall be composed of a Chairperson and two (2) Members who must be
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natural-bom citizens of the Philippines and, at toe time of their appointment, at least
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forty-five (45) years of age, and must not have been candidates for any elective position
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in the elections immediately preceding their appointment At least one (1) of them must
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be a member of toe Philippine Bar.
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The Chairperson and the Members of the Commission shall not, during their tenure, hold
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any other office or employment Neither shall toey engage In the practice of any
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profession, or In the active management or control of any business which. In any way,
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may be affected by toe functions of toeir office, nor shall they be financially Interested,
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directly or Indirectly, In any contract with, or In any franchise or privilege granted by the
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government, any of Its subdivisions, agencies, or Instrumentalities, Including govemment-
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owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.
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The Chairperson and the Members of toe Commission shall be appointed by the President
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and shall not be reappointed to another term. From among the Members, one shall serve


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as the Chairperson and shall hold office for ten (10) years, another Member shall be 
appointed as commissioner for seven (7) years, and another shall be appointed 
Commissioner and shall serve for five (5) years, without reappointment A Member who 
shall be appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve only the unexpIred portion of the term of 
the predecessor. In no case shall any Member be appointed or designated In a temporary 
or acting capacity.
The Chairperson and the Members of the Commission shall receive the same salary, 
benefits, privileges and emoluments of a Cabinet Secretary and Undersecretary, 
respectively.
Sec. 8. Representation and Participation of People's Organ!zationsf Civil Society, 
Business and Private Sector. —The whole-of-govemment approach requires genuine and 
meaningful participation of people's organizations, civil society, business, and the private 
sector. To this end, all departments and their attached agencies and bureaus shall Involve 
civil society and other stakeholders In the review, reform, formulation and Implementation 
of policies, plans, programs, activities, and projects to end hunger by 2030.
To guarantee public participation, the Commission on the Right to Adequate FOod shall 
ensure that:
a) All persons can freely and meaningfully participate In all forms of public 
discourse, as well as access Information and exercise freedom of 
association. In relation to the formulation and Implementation of policies 
pertaining to the right to adequate food;
b) Civil society and other stakeholders actively participate In the Institutions 
that oversee the realization of the right to adequate food, as well as In 
formulating capacity building mechanisms and special measures for 
disadvantaged groups;
National public hearings are conducted every two (2) years, at which the Government Is 
required to report on the progress made with the Implementation of this Act, and the 
prt>gresslve realization of the right to adequate food In tiie country.
Sec. 9. Priority Attention. — Priority attention shall be given to the following 
individuals, groups, and communities, who are particularly vulnerable to hunger and 
starvation:
a) Physiologically and clinically vulnerable persons, such as those afflicted 
with COVID-19 and others with co-morbidities; children, particularly 
those from zero to twenty-three (23) months of age; pregnant women 
and lactating mothers; persons with disabilities; chronlcally-lll persons 
and older persons (senior citizens);


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b) Geographically disadvantaged persons such as persons living in remote
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and isolated, very poor or underdeveloped areas; and
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c) Economically vulnerable persons, such as small farmers, artisanal
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fisherfolk, street children, urban poor, people with disabilities,
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unemployed persons. Indigenous peoples, ethnic, linguistic or religious
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minorities, and Internally displaced persons.
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Sec. 10. Planning, Programming and Budgeting. — Policies, laws, rules,
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regulations, plans, programs, activities and projects shall be directed towards achieving
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four objectives: (a) guarantee stable and sustainable food supply for current and future
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generations; (b) ensure affordable food; (c) secure adequate nutrition; and (d) assure
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food safety and consumer protection.
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The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) shall develop and issue
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Planning Guidelines that Incorporate the whole-of-govemment approach and focus on
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achieving these objectives. When issuing annual budget calls, the Department of Budget
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and Management (DBM) shall Incorporate the whole-of-govemment approach to achieve
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these objectives and eradicate hunger by 2030. Towards this end, NEDA and DBM,
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together with die Commission shall lead and/or provide platforms for the conduct of
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national-local and inter- local planning and co-financing budgeting processes.
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Local government units shall likewise Incorporate In their development programs,
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programs addressing objectives under Sec. 10 of this act
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Sec. 11. Review and Rationalization of Existing Policies, Laws, Rules, Regulations,
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Plans, Programs, Activities and Projects. — Policies, laws, rules, regulations, plans,
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programs, activities and projects relevant to the eradication of hunger shall be reviewed
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and rationalized to comply with the Integrated policy and planning objectives;
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a) To guarantee stable and sustainable food supply for current and future
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generations, the following Departments and agencies, with the
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partidpatioh of civil society organizations, business and the private sector,
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shall jointly rew'ew, and if necessary, jointly rationalize all policies, laws,
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rules, regulations, programs, activities and projects related, but not
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limited, to: (i) agn'cultural and fisheries production, (ii) trade in
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agricultural and food products, (iii) drought, crop failure and disaster
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management, (iv) market system including small-scale local and regional
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markets, particularly marketing, storage, transportation, communications
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and distribution system, (v) watershed management, control of
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deforestation and enhancement of national forest cover, (vi) sustainability
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of productive resources and natural assets for food generation or


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production/ (vll) weather variability and climate change, (vili) monitoring 
of food stocks for food storage and distribution/ Including measures 
against spoilage, food leakage and corruption, (lx) security of land tenure. 
Including mechanisms for adequate resettlement, compensation and 
rehabilitation for persons, families, groups or communities forcibly evicted, 
(x) fanners' rights to save, reuse, exchange and sell seeds and plant 
genetic resources, including safeguards for domestic seeds and plant 
varieties against Importation and use of temiinator seeds, seed pricing 
standards, seed databanklng, (xl) agricultural research, training and 
technology, (xii) Investments in agriculture and public spending on 
agriculture, fisheries, agrarian reform, and environmental protection (xlii) 
agrarian reform, land demarcation and land distribution, (xiv) 
environmental protection, and (xv) domestic and International food aid 
and disaster relief:
1. Department of Agriculture (DA)
2. Bureau of Rsheries and Aquatic Resources - BFAR
3. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
4. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
5. Department of Trade and Industry (DU)
6. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
7. Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC)
8. Department of Energy (DOE)
9. Department of Rnance (DOF)
10. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
11. Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD)
12. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
13. Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
14. Department of Sdence and Technology (DOST)
15. Department of National Defense (DND)
16. National Economic and Development Agency (NEDA)
17. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
18. Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)
19. National Youth Commission (NYC)
20. Climate Change Commission (CCC)
21. National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC)
22. Local Government Units


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b) To ensure affordable food/ the following Departments and agendeS/ with 
the partfdpaOon of dvll sodety organizations/ business and the private 
sector/ shall jointly revlew/ and If necessary, jointly rationalize all polides, 
laws, rules, regulations, programs, activities and projects related, but not 
limited, to (i) regulation and monitoring of volatility/stabillty of food prices, 
(il) chronic food poverty, (III) mobilization of domestic public and private 
savings, (Iv) unfair competition/ uncompetitive practices In the market, (v) 
adequate consumer protection against fraudulent market practices, 
misinformation and unsafe food, (vi) climate change adaptation and 
mitigation, (vli) transportation costs, traffic, ports and highways, (vill) oil 
price monitoring, (lx) food supply monitoring, (x) taxes on consumption, 
(xl) protection of labor and access to labor. Including standards for living 
wage and decent standard of living, (xii) social transfer scheme, subsidies, 
or food safety nets, and (xlil) public feeding programs:
1. Departmentof Agriculture (DA)
2. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
3. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
4. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
5. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
6. Department of Energy (DOE)
7. Department Of Rnance (DOF)
8. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
9. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
10. Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC)
11. Department of Health (DOH)
12. National Nutrition Council-Department of Science and Technology 
(NNC-DOST)
13. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
14. Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD)
15. Department of Education (DEPED)
16. Departmentof Labor and Employment (DOLE)
17. National Economic and Development Agency (NEDA)
18. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NQP)
19. Philippine commission on Women (PCW)
20. National Youth Commission (NYC)
21. Climate Change Commission (CCC)


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22. Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
23. Philippine News Agency (PNA)
24. Local Government Units
c) To secure nutrition adequacy, the following Departments and agencies, 
with the participation of civil society organizations, business and the 
private sector, shall jointly review, and If necessary, jointly rationalize all 
policies, laws, rules, regulations, programs, activities and projects related, 
but not limited, to: (i) the minimum amount of food entitlement for each 
Individual, Including exact quantity of calories, proteins and micronutrients 
according to age, sex, health status and occupation of a person, (ii) 
breastfeeding and breast milk substitutes, (ill) hidden hunger
i
(undemutrition and malnutrition) and chronic food poverty, (iv) nutrition 
education and awareness, (v) public nutrition programs, (vi) public 
nutrition supplement programs, (vii) food labeling, (vlil) food fortification, 
(lx) genetically modified organisms or genetically engineered food 
products, (X) climate change adaptation and mitigation, and (xi) food 
cultural acceptability programs (including, among others, labeling, 
distribution programs for indigenous peoples and ethnic, linguistic or 
religious minorities):
1. Department of Health (DOH)
2. National Nutrition Council-Department of Science and Technology 
(NNC-DOST)
3. Food Nutrition and Research Institute-Department of Science and 
Technology (FNRI-DOST)
4. Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
5. Department of Education (DEPED)
6. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
7. Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD)
8. Department of National Defense (DND)
9. Department of Energy (DOE)
10. National Economic and Development Agency (NEDA)
11. aimate Change Commission (CCC)
12. National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC)
13. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
14. Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)
15. National Youth Commission (NYC)
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16. Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
17. Philippine News Agency (PNA)
18. Local Government Units
d) To assure food safety and consumer protection, the following 
Departments and agencies, with the participation of civil society 
organizations, business and the private sector, shall Jointly review, and if 
necessary, jointly rationalize all policies, laws, rules, regulations, 
programs, activities and projects related, but not limited, to (I) measures 
against contamination or adulteration of food, (II) control of contamination 
from agricultural. Industrial or other pollutants In the production of food, 
(ill) safety standards for food production, processing, storage, distribution 
and preparation, (Iv) monitoring and regulation of food processing and 
food handling technologies, (v) monitoring and control of emerging food- 
borne pathogens or microorganisms, (vl) monitoring of misuse and abuse 
of pesticides and herbicides, (vll) monitoring and surveillance of food and 
water-borne diseases, (vill) regulation and monitoring of preparation and 
serving of street-vended food, (lx) monitoring, regulation and standards 
for water quality for Irrigation and ingestion (drinking), (x) food regulatory 
powers, (xl) food safety and consumer protection advocacy, education, 
research and Implementation of related laws and regulations (xll) effective 
and Integrated food control system Including complementary measures for 
agriculture and fisheries (fresh produce), the food Industry Including food 
manufacturers and establishments, food distribution and retail outlets, 
and the food service sector including restaurants, caterers, street vendors 
and consumers, (xlil) monitoring, supervision and regulation of genetically 
modified organisms or genetically engineered food production, storage, 
distribution and marketing and Impact on health, environment (Including 
potential for genetic contamination or genetic pollution of plant species), 
soil, and issues arising from Intellectual property ownership associated 
with creating new crops and food, labeling, and pre-market testing, (xlv) 
hidden hunger (undemutritlon and malnutrition) and chronic food poverty, 
(xv)cllmate change adaptation and mitigation, and (xvi) justldablllty and 
accountability measures. Including measures to address smuggling, 
cartels, price manipulation, corruption, food poisoning, contamination or 
adulteration of food products, contamination of productive resources and
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natural assets, land conflicts, conflicts over productive resources and 
natural assets:
1. Department of Agriculture (DA)
2. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
3. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
4. Department of Trade and Industry (DU)
5. Department of Energy (DOE)
6. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
7. Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD)
8. Department of Health (DOH)
9. Department of Justice (DOJ)
10. Department of Education (DEPED)
11. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
12. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
13. Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
14. Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
15. Department of National Defense (DND)
16. Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC)
17. Department of Tourism (DOT)
18. Food Safety Regulatory Coordination Board and Food Safety 
Regulatory Agencies of the Department of Agriculture (DA), 
Department of Health (DOH), and Department of the Interior and 
Local Government (DILG)
19. National Economic and Development Agency (NEDA)
20. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
21. National commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
22. Climate Change Commission (CCC)
23. National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC)
24. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
25. Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)
26. National Youth Commission (NYC)
27. Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
28. Philippine News Agency (PNA)
29. Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)
30. Local Government Units
12


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Sec. 12. Targets and Indicators. — By 2030, land devoted to food production will
2 
be Increased to fifty percent (50%) of all prime agricultural land In every region, and
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100% of coastal municipalities In covered regions adopts and practice state policy on
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Integrated coastal management to achieve food security, sustainable llvelihood,poverty
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alleviation and reduction of vulnerability to natural hazards; within the same period, the
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State shall ensure that the following Indicators will considerably and steadily Increase:
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a) Percentage of ancestral lands developed for sustainable production of
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food;
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b) Percentage of rural population with access to productive resources;
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Including municipal waters especially designated for artisanal flsherfolks'
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food source and livelihood;
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c) Share of budget spent on programs aimed at aeatlng access to
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productive resources;
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d) Share of budget spent on programs aimed at addressing devastations
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caused by manmade and natural calamities;
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e) Percentage of budget spent on agri - research, agri- extension. Irrigation,
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training, technology, credits and rural development;
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f) Percentage of rural female-headed households, or rural women, with
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legal title to agriculture lands;
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g) Percentage of women participating In paid labor;
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h) Percentage of public budget allocation for social transfer programs to
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those unable to feed themselves;
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I) coverage of marginalized and disadvantaged population taking part in
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social transfer programs;
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j) Percentage of marginalized and disadvantaged population covered by a
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public nutrition supplement program;
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k) Percentage of population aware of available food and nutrition programs;
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and
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I) Coverage of school feeding programs.
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Sec 13. Standards on the Minimum Amount of Food. — Within one (1) year from
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the effectivity of this Act, the Commission, in consultations with the DSWD, NNC, and the
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DOH, shall Issue guidelines on the minimum amount of food for persons who are suffering
33 
from hunger or undernourishment, or are at risk from suffering from hunger or
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undernourishment, but who cannot take care of their own needs due to reasons beyond
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their control (like the effect and Impact of the COVID 19 pandemic). Including but not
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limited to children whose parents die due to the pandemic or disappear or otherwise, no
13


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longer able to take care of them, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The guidelines
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shall include:
3 
a) The exact quantity of calories, proteins and micronutrlents, to which the
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minimum amount of food will correspond, according, to the age, sex, health
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status and occupation of person.
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b)A simple and accessible application or certification procedure for the
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minimum amount of food entitlement with transparent, fair and non-
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discriminatory eligibility, or certification criteria. And
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c) A relief mechanism to ensure that such Individuals are provided with their
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minimum food requirement.
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Specific support measures will be designed and adopted to prevent or compensate for
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disadvantages that Identified vulnerable persons or groups suffer from, with regard to
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the enjoyment of their right to food.
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Sec. 14. R)od Emergencies. — Whenever a situation arises In which access to
15 
food Is endangered, as tiiat caused by natural events like drought, floods, storms,
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earthquakes, or crop failures resulting from pests or diseases, or by human agency such
17 
as Internal or International armed conflict, or a national health emergency such as the
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COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission on the Right to Adequate Food, In coordination
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with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) shall
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ensure that:
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a) Information on potential or brewing food emergencies Is shared speedily
22 
among all Departments and agencies, and with the general public;
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b) Food emergency responses sufficiently cover both early warning
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responses and disaster preparedness 
in case of a crisis; and food
25 
responses are organized and managed efficiently and effectively;
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c) Food aid Is free from spoilage, leakage and are protected against theft
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and corruption; and
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d) Requests for international assistance are initiated in case of necessity and
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distribution of food to intended recipients is properly supervised and
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coordinated.
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The Department of National Defense (DND), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and
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the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall ensure strict
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compliance with Republic Act No. 9851, or the "Philippine Act on Crimes Against
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International Humanitarian Law, Genodde, and Other Crimes Against Humanity" and
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other relevant laws, when responding to food emergencies.
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Sec. 15. Information Dissemination. — All government agencies, under the
2 
direction of the Commission on the Right to Adequate Food, In coordination with the
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Philippine News Agency (PNA) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA), are mandated
4 
to:
5 
a) Inform the population about the rights established in this Act and the
6 
implementing rules and regulations adopted upon Its entry Into force, as
7 
well as about any other measure taken for the purpose of facilitating and
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promoting the realization of the right to adequate food.
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b) Use the most appropriate ways and methods of disseminating Information
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by providing Information through all media formats, and In local
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languages, notably In the most marginalized areas and among populations
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with a high rate of Illiteracy.
13 
Sec. 16. Education and Awareness Program. —The Commission on the Right to
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Adequate FOod, In coordination with the DepEd, Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
15 
and TESDA, shall ensure that:
16 
a) the school curriculum Includes material related to food and nutrition
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education, the right to adequate food and human rights principles.
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b) relevant adult education and training programs shall Include materials
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related to food and nutrition, the right to adequate food and human rights
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principles.
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Sec. 17. International Cooperation. — The Commission on the Right to Adequate
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Food, In coordination with the CHR and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), shall:
23 
a) ensure that activities undertaken In other countries. Including those by
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private actors, do notinfringe on the enjoyment of the right to adequate
25 
food by people in the concerned countries. In coordination with DA, DTT,
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DOH and NEDA and other relevant agencies;
27 
b) promote International cooperation and provide assistance to ensure the
28 
realization of the right to adequate food In other countries. If In a position
29 
to do so; and
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c) ensure that International and other agreements which the Philippine
31 
Government enters Into, take Into account the guarantee on the right to
32 
food. The commission on the Right to Adequate Food, In coordination with
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the CHR and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shall ensure that
34 
International bilateral and/or multilateral agreements which the Philippine
35 
Government may enter Into take Into account the State's objective to
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eliminate hunger by 2030. Before entering Into any International
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agreement, the DFA, with the participation of relevant Departments, civil 
society, business and the private sector, shall carefully evaluate the 
proposed agreement to determine Its Impact on the eradication of hunger, 
and propose necessary amendments or revisions to align the agreement 
with the State's objective to eliminate hunger by 2030.
Sec. 18. Periodic Review and Public Reporting. — Periodic reviews shall be 
undertaken to ensure compliance with set targets. In the Implementation of this Act, 
priority will be given to Identify areas with chronlcaliy malnourished population. In 
measuring the incidence of hunger, the key primary data sources will Include national 
nutrition surveys, household surveys of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), namely 
the Family Income and Expenditure Survey and the Annual Poverty Indicators Survey, 
with global hunger Indices as benchmarks.
Sec. 19. Monitoring and Evaluation System. —There shall be an Integrated 
monitoring system that shall ensure that all government agencies at all levels, under the 
supervision of the Commission on the Right to Adequate FOod, shall:
a) Collect data related to food and nutrition security, using monitoring 
methodologies and processes consistent with human rights principles as 
established by this Act;
b) Disaggregate collected data by age, sex. Income, bracket, civil status and 
ethnicity;
c) Monitor progress achieved In the realization of the right to adequate food; 
and
d) Establish or Identify an early warning mechanism for food supply 
shortages and emergencies.
Sec. 20. Pena! Provisions. - The penalty of prision correcdonaldrsW be imposed 
on any public Or private actor who causes the starvation or denial of the access to food 
of any particular Individual or group, as through the commission of any of the following 
acts:
a) blockade
b) refusal to implement a food-related program
c) discrimination In Implementing a food-related program;
d) negligence in implementing food-related programs, resulting in death;
e) obstructing access to food In time of pandemic, calamity or war;
f) theft, corruption or black marketeering of food being given as 
humanitarian aid, in times of calamity or war;
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g) distribution of expired, or unsafe food at a school feeding program or 
other feeding programs, In times of calamity or war;
h) contamination of food or water sources, through mining activities, aerial 
spraying of plantations, or any other similar means; and.
1) other analogous acts.
Provided That, the penalty Is Imposable without prejudice to any other criminal, civil or 
administrative liability under Philippine law; Provided Further, That If the act committed 
Is food blockade during armed conflict, the penalty Imposable shall be without prejudice 
to the application of Republic Act No. 9851, or the "Philippine Act on Crimes against 
International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes against Humanity," and 
other relevant laws.
Sec. 21. Gvll and Administrative Liabilities.- Any public officer or employee who 
directly or Indirectly obstructs, defeats, violates or In any manner Impedes or Impairs any 
of a person's rights guaranteed under sections 5,6,7 and 9 of this Act, shall be liable for 
damages. Any violation of a provision of this Act, whether committed by public or private 
actors, will similarly give rise to liability for damages.
It Is hereby declared a ministerial duty on the part of the Government to ensure the 
enjoyment of the rights guaranteed in this Act and to perform the duties provided for In 
this Act, as the primary duty bearer. Appropriate cases may be filed before the courts to 
compel compliance with the provisions of this Act. These cases shall be without prejudice 
to liability for damages, as well as administrative liability that may be Incurred.
Sec. 22. AppropriaBons. - There shall be an allocation in the annual national and 
local budgets specifically for the purposes of the Implementation of the right to adequate 
food. In accordance with priorities set by the Commission on the Right to Adequate Fbod. 
The allocation shall be aimed at tire progressive realization of the right to adequate food 
over the long term.
Sec. 23. JmplemenUng Rules and RegulaUons. - The Commission on the Right to 
Adequate Food shall Issue the necessary rules and regulations to Implement the 
provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days from Its effectivlty. In the formulation of these 
rules and regulations, the Commission shall take the lead and shall coordinate with the 
CHR, DOJ, DA, DAR, DSWD, DOH, DTI, DPWH, NEDA, DBM, NNC and NAPC, and 
representation among LGUS, with the active participation of people's organizations and 
human rights nongovernmental organizations.
Sec. 24. RaBonallzaBon of Policies and JmplementaBon of Programs - All existing 
policies, laws, decrees, executive orders, memorandum orders, memorandum circulars.
17


1 
administrative orders, and ordinances shall be rationalized and Interpreted In a way that
2 
shall guarantee the realization of the right to adequate food as provided for by this Act.
3 
Concerned Cabinet secretaries and other executive authorities shall report on a regular
4 
basis to the Commission on the Right to Adequate Food on legislative and regulatory
5 
measures that have been formulated and adopted, and the time frames within which they
6 
are envisaged to achieve their objectives In order to achieve zero hunger.
7 
The commission may also conduct separate evaluation of agency, national -local and inter
8 
-local programs Implemented for the purpose of achieving zero hunger.
9 
Sec. 25. Separability Qause. - If any part or provision of this Act Is declared
10 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall
11 
remain In full force and effect.
12 
Sec. 26. Repealing Cause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, memorandum
13 
orders, memorandum circulars, administrative orders, ordinances, or parts thereof, which
14 
are inconsistent with the right to adequate food and the provisions of this Act, are hereby
15 
deemed repealed or modified accordingly.
16 
Sec. 27. EffecOvlty. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its publication
17 
In the Official Gazette or In a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
18