PSA Agrees P64 Food Threshold “Insufficient”
FOOD – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recognizes the need to review the Php 64 per person daily food threshold in the country.
Undeniably, countless Filipino families in the country are in a constant against poverty. Many families can hardly eat thrice a day — not to mention the unhealthy food bundles that many families have to take just to fight hunger. Food is the main priority in the household.
However, due to the high prices of goods and commodities in the country now, the challenge to provide food in the table has heightened. More and more people including kids on the streets do not meet their daily nutritional needs.
Thus, the previous findings of the state entities that the food threshold in the Philippines is at Php 64 per person per day met criticisms from the public. Countless Filipinos believe that the amount is not enough to buy food bundles that can meet the body’s nutritional needs.
The Php 64 per person/day food threshold was previously announced by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in a Senate hearing. Based on a report on GMA News Balitambayan, the said food threshold remains until 2023. It was derived for a family of five (5).
The food threshold is based on the minimum income of a family or person not only to evade hunger but to provide the nutrition needed by the body every day. The basis include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Based on the report, the Philippine Statistics Authority believes that Php 64 is insufficient to meet the daily dietary requirements of the body. It is set to review the basis on determining the food threshold.
National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa expressed that there is Science on how the Php 64 per day daily food threshold was derived. Based on the data from PSA, the sample food bundle can provide the body with the following:
- 100% energy
- 123% protein
- 119% calcium
- 80% iron
- 131% Vitamin A
- 88% Thiamin
- 80% Riboflavin
- 249% niacin
- 106% Vitamin C
Based on the report, even the National Statistician agrees that the food threshold may be insufficient. However, most people may probably be not happy about the Php 64 budget for food as it includes a very basic bundle. It is equivalent to Php 21.30 per meal.