GMA creates provincial anti-hunger task forces

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – President Arroyo ordered yesterday the creation of provincial anti-hunger task forces, starting with the six “most food-poor” provinces in Mindanao.

In her speech before mayors from Mindanao who gathered here as a cluster of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Mrs. Arroyo said her administration will continue to use “the biggest part of our resources for Mindanao” for poverty alleviation programs.

“I asked the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to create anti-hunger task forces in the provinces to strengthen the cooperation of national and local governments to face the problem of hunger in a more efficient and effective way,” she said.

Mrs. Arroyo said there are already task forces organized by the NNC in Sarangani, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Maguindanao.

She identified the country’s “most food-poor” provinces to be in Mindanao, namely Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Maguindanao, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island and Lanao del Sur.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who chairs the National Anti-Hunger Task Force, admitted though that no new funds would be used for the provincial task forces.

He said the task forces would monitor existing programs such as the food-for-school program of the Department of Education.

“Except for minor adjustments, these are the same programs now being implemented but they will be enhanced by involving local officials,” he said.

Duque said the governors would head the provincial task forces, with mayors as members. –Ding Cervantes (The Philippine Star)