🇵🇭 One in five people in Philippines live in extreme poverty | Al Jazeera English

Summary

The transcript highlights the struggles of families in the southern Philippines who fled violence and now face hunger and homelessness in Manila. Abdul Rahman, a young boy, supports his family, while experts reveal that nearly half of Filipino children go to bed hungry, with significant malnutrition rates. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, heavily impacted by conflict, has alarming levels of underweight children. Despite government efforts to address food insecurity through school feeding programs, the issue remains dire, exemplified by 12-year-old Shayne, who dreams of becoming a doctor while selling flowers to support her siblings amid constant hunger.

Takeaways

• 🏴‍☠️ The conflict in the southern Philippines forced many families, including Nor Kya Dik Mao and her children, to flee to Manila.
• 👨‍👦 Abdul Rahman, Nor Kya's eldest son, is responsible for providing for his family in a challenging urban environment.
• 😞 Many families in Manila, particularly those without homes, face violence and harassment as illegal vendors.
• 🍽️ Approximately 50% of Filipino children go to bed hungry, with malnourishment being a significant issue.
• 📉 More than 20% of Filipino children are classified as underweight, indicating a severe malnutrition crisis.
• 🌍 The Philippines ranks ninth globally for the highest number of children with stunted growth.
• 🚜 Hunger is most prevalent in agricultural and fishing sectors, where over 70% of workers live in poverty.
• ⚠️ Natural disasters and ongoing armed conflicts contribute to food insecurity in affected communities.
• 👶 The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has a high incidence of underweight children, linked to a history of conflict.
• 🥗 Government initiatives aim to expand feeding programs in public schools to combat hunger and reduce stunting by 2030.

Q & A

What situation prompted Nor Kya Dik Mao and her children to flee to Manila?

They fled the violence that broke out in the southern Philippines nearly two years ago.

Who has been providing for Nor Kya Dik Mao's family since they relocated to Manila?

Her eldest son, Abdul Rahman, has been providing for the family.

What challenges does the family face while living in Manila?

They face harassment due to being homeless and classified as illegal vendors, and they often deal with hunger and illness.

What statistics are provided about child hunger in the Philippines?

Experts say that around half of Filipino children go to bed hungry, with more than 20% being underweight.

What is the significance of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao regarding child malnutrition?

It has one of the highest tendencies for underweight children, attributed to the region's history of conflict.

What measures are being taken to address child malnutrition in the Philippines?

Eight groups have been feeding children in public schools, and the government has promised to expand the program to include kindergartens and elementary schools by 2030.

What is 'hidden hunger' as mentioned in the transcript?

'Hidden hunger' refers to malnutrition that is not immediately visible, as it affects children's overall well-being rather than just their physical appearance.

What role does Shayne, a 12-year-old girl, play in her family?

Shayne helps her mother feed her seven siblings by selling flowers outside churches.

How much does Shayne and her mother earn daily from selling flowers?

Together, they make less than six US dollars a day.

What is Shayne's dream for the future?

She dreams of becoming a doctor one day, despite currently facing the challenges of hunger.