AMPLIFY BACOOR: The Official Student Publication of APEC Schools- Bacoor - Evaluating the 64-Peso Meal Plan: A Nutritional and Economic Perspective

Evaluating the 64-Peso Meal Plan: A Nutritional and Economic Perspective

By Drenz Jairo Butuan

As the world progresses, the Philippines faces global challenges. One of the obstacles that the Philippines is looking towards is the suffering of Filipinos from food hunger. Most causes of food hunger are inflation or the struggle to find food sources. According to Philstar and SWS, the percentage of food hunger in the Philippines spiked up to 14.2% this March 2024, compared to the last survey conducted in the previous three months, which is 12.6%. With this significant jump from the previous poll, the obstacle of searching for food sources is prominent.

Finding food security for Filipinos is a struggle, but searching for a solution to this problem is never too late. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) suggested the 64-Peso Meal Plan, which caters to Filipinos with planned daily meals. The meal plan provides food for Filipinos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it 20 Pesos per meal. With this, NEDA confidently believes that it can make Filipinos not food-poor. Additionally, this ensures that even the most vulnerable populations can meet their daily food needs.

The 64 Peso Meal Plan contains what they believe are nutritious meals from breakfast until dinner. These dishes can already fill a person's stomach, ranging from scrambled eggs, Ginisang Munggo, fried fish, and a vegetable meal. Additionally, Filipinos can afford consumer products like Instant Noodles for the price of 7.75 Pesos per packet and 2-1 Pack of Coffee for 4.10 Pesos. The food planned and recommended by NEDA can solve the problem of Filipinos worrying about what to eat in a day with a tight budget. However, this plan might only be suitable for some Filipinos.

The NEDA's proposed meal plan needs to include essential nutritional value. Relying on consumer products like instant noodles and coffee every day fails to meet basic dietary needs. The limited selection in the plan leaves little room for variety, making the meals less appealing and, over time, potentially unhealthy. This monotony in diet risks causing health issues if implemented. Ultimately, the plan overlooks the importance of balanced nutrition, putting long-term health at stak

Moreover, consumer product prices might change as inflation in the Philippines grows. Essential food products like rice, fruits, vegetables, poultry, and others are still expensive. These suggested retail prices can gradually change depending on the country's economy. With these high prices, more than the 64 Pesos budget might be needed to purchase consumer products, even in local markets.

As the problem of food hunger rises, the government should look at the condition and state of the Filipinos before they make a solution. With the proposed solution of NEDA, this did not qualify the nation's state. This makes it a “hopeless” solution to the problem of finding food security for Filipinos. The government's failure to answer this problem is disappointing, but people are not surprised as the government keeps failing to solve this problem.

In conclusion, while NEDA’s 64-Peso Meal Plan aims to alleviate hunger, it dangerously overlooks the essential need for nutrition and dignity in food security. The government must recognize that accurate solutions require more than the bare minimum calories; they demand a commitment to health, diversity, and respect for the people they serve. Listening to marginalized communities isn’t just helpful—it’s essential to understanding the depth of their challenges. Policies grounded in this lived reality are the only ones that foster absolute trust and change. Anything less is a hollow response to a pressing crisis.

Page updated

Report abuse

Keep in Touch