THE beleaguered Filipino people, now numbering more than 109 million, hope the incoming administration does something more effective regarding hunger and poverty.

This after a recent survey showed that 49 percent and 33 percent of Filipino families rated themselves as “poor” and “borderline poor,” respectively.

Only 17 percent described themselves as “not poor,” according to the results of the nationwide survey conducted by the prestigious Social Weather Station (SWS).

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles of Davao said the figures were expected given the limitations in livelihood as a result of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Nograles expressed hope the next administration will continue to implement the country’s current National Food Policy, which aims to eliminate hunger by 2030.

To achieve zero hunger in this impoverised Southeast Asian nation by 2030, there should be a 25 percent reduction in hunger incidence every two-and-a-half-years.

“Sana po naman kung sino yung susunod na administrasyon ay ipagpapatuloy po nila kung ano ang nakalagay sa ating National Food Policy roadmap,” he added.

Note that the nation goes to the polls anew on May 9 next year to elect new national and local government officials, including the successor of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Under the Philippine Constitution, Duterte’s six-year presidency, which started at 12 noon on June 30, 2016, ends June 30, 2022. He is not allowed to seek reelection.

We share the view of many, including the poor, that government policies, initiatives and proposals on attaining zero hunger must be coordinated, responsive and effective.

Ito ay kung gusto nating mawala ang kagutuman sa bansa.

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