President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. further strengthened the partnership between the Philippines and the World Food Programme (WFP) as part of the administration’s efforts to combat malnutrition and hunger in the Philippines.

In his remarks, President Marcos said that the Philippine government is always open to participate in any efforts of the WFP to help ease hunger and malnutrition in the country.

“The strategies that you’ve brought to us are really quite – they’re very insightful,” President Marcos told WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain during a courtesy visit at the Malacañan Palace on Monday.

President Marcos said the hunger and malnutrition incidents in the Philippines have already improved through the years, and that the country is much better off.

He added the Philippine government has already shifted from providing food supply to actual nutrition through the “Walang Gutom 2027: FoodStamp Program,” a flagship program to address malnutrition and hunger.

“Food supply is for the most part, I would say sufficient. But what we’ve learned over the years is how to take care of ourselves. And again, especially for the kids,” President Marcos said.

McCain lauded President Marcos and his administration for giving importance and for prioritizing the nutrition and welfare of Filipino children through various initiatives, including the feeding programs.

“I think it’s very important that your foresight in implementing our school, feeding programs and become self-sufficient in the long run,” McCain told President Marcos.

“So we love that program,” she added.

President Marcos extended his gratitude to McCain for her visit and her concern about the country’s food program as he assured her that the Philippine government will continue to advance the nutrition of the children. PND