NEDA recently came under fire for suggesting that spending only P21 per meal is enough for Filipinos to afford food, sparking outrage and disbelief. Critics argue that this calculation lowers the bar for poverty in the country and restricts potential government assistance.
The reality is that spending P21 per meal is simply not sustainable, as the cost of basic items like rice far exceeds this amount. This forces individuals to choose cheaper, less nutritious options like instant noodles or canned goods, which can have long-term negative health consequences.
Critics argue that NEDA’s focus on hunger and satiety ignores the importance of nutrition and quality ingredients in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Instead of accepting a diet of processed foods, they suggest that the government should take steps to bring down the cost of food through measures like suspending VAT, raising wages, and regulating prices.
Ultimately, the debate highlights the struggle that many Filipinos face in affording basic necessities and the need for real solutions to address rising prices and inflation. By acknowledging the true cost of food and working to make it more affordable, the government can ensure that its citizens have access to nutritious meals and the ability to live a decent life.
Source
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