Good governance is addressing our most fundamental basic needs | Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan | TEDxUPV

Summary

The speech highlights the severe issue of food insecurity in the Philippines, where inflation and high food prices are causing widespread suffering, particularly among the poorest. The speaker emphasizes that poor governance, corruption, and underinvestment in agriculture are major factors exacerbating the crisis. With millions of families living in poverty and facing malnutrition, the call is made for urgent reform in policies and governance to support farmers, secure food access, and promote sustainable agricultural growth. The speaker stresses the need for the government to take serious action to address these challenges and ensure food security for all.

Takeaways

• 😀 Food prices and inflation are major concerns for Filipinos, with up to 70% of income spent on food by the poorest households.
• 🍚 Food security is a fundamental issue, focusing on access to affordable, nutritious, and healthy food for all citizens.
• 🥺 Over a million Filipino households suffer from poverty and hunger, with 30% of children aged 0-6 facing stunting due to poor nutrition.
• 🐖 Food prices in the Philippines are significantly higher than in neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam, with pork and chicken prices being much lower in these countries.
• 🚜 Despite half of the Philippine population living in rural areas and depending on agriculture and fishing for livelihood, 31% of farmers and 30% of fisherfolk live below the poverty line.
• ⚖️ Good governance is crucial for improving food security, as corruption in the agriculture sector negatively impacts food accessibility and prices.
• 💰 Corruption scandals in the agriculture sector, including the Napo scam and fertilizer corruption, have drained resources meant for farmers and fisherfolk.
• 💼 When serving as Food Security Secretary, the speaker fought against corruption, particularly in rice imports, resulting in significant savings for the government and lowering rice prices.
• 🇻🇳 Compared to other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam, the Philippines is investing far less in agriculture despite having a larger population to feed.
• 📉 In 2022, the Philippines exported only $7 billion worth of agricultural products, far behind countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, which exported significantly more.
• 🌱 To address food security, the government must invest more in agriculture, ensuring that every peso spent is used efficiently to support food production and increase private sector investment.

Q & A

What is the number one concern of Filipinos according to the speaker?

The number one concern of Filipinos is inflation, particularly the high prices of food, which consume a significant portion of the income of the poorest families.

What is the current state of food security in the Philippines?

Food security in the Philippines is a major issue, with millions of households facing poverty and hunger. Over 30% of children aged 0 to 6 suffer from stunting due to poor nutrition.

Why are food prices in the Philippines so high compared to neighboring countries?

Food prices, especially pork and chicken, are higher in the Philippines than in neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam. This is due to a combination of factors, including inefficiencies in agriculture, corruption, and mismanagement in the sector.

How do agricultural workers in the Philippines fare economically?

Agricultural workers, including farmers and fishermen, continue to live in poverty. Around 31% of farmers and 30% of fisherfolk live below the poverty line, which is more than double the national average.

What is the relationship between good governance and food security?

Good governance is crucial for ensuring food security. Without proper policies, investments, and transparency, food security cannot be addressed. Mismanagement and corruption in the agriculture sector have worsened the problem.

Can you give an example of successful governance in addressing food security?

An example of successful governance was when the speaker, as food security secretary, took action against corrupt practices, such as smuggling and overpriced rice bids, leading to savings of 7 billion pesos for the government and a reduction in rice prices.

What is the significance of investing in agriculture for food security?

Investing in agriculture is critical for improving food security. By increasing the productivity and incomes of farmers and fisherfolk, the government can help secure a stable and affordable food supply.

How does the Philippines' investment in agriculture compare to other countries?

The Philippines invests significantly less in agriculture compared to neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam. For instance, Thailand spends double the amount on agriculture, and Vietnam spends triple what the Philippines does.

What are the export figures for agricultural products in the Philippines compared to other Southeast Asian countries?

In 2022, the Philippines exported $7 billion worth of agricultural products, while countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam exported much larger amounts, such as $51 billion, $42 billion, and $23 billion, respectively.

Why is it important for the government to take food security seriously?

It is important for the government to invest in agriculture and food security because without serious investment, the private sector will not be motivated to follow. Effective governance and appropriate policy changes are needed to overcome food security challenges.