Filipino culture is rooted in family, tradition, and a strong sense of community. They are also known to express their culture through food that even foreigners long for the famous adobo, sinigang, and lumpia. These dishes, along with the other cuisines of the different regions in the Philippines, may be different but all of them have two components that are necessary to complete a Filipino meal: rice and vegetables. These ingredients are present in every household because local farmers work passionately to provide the nation’s staples.

Before dawn, farmers rise and work under harsh conditions brought by the weather to farm and bring their crops to the table of millions of people. Ironically, they themselves often face hunger as they work for the whole day.

In April 2025, a survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed that 20% of Filipinos experienced hunger at least once in the past three months and among them are the local farmers. Despite their hard work, the amount they produce remains insufficient due to the lack of access to necessities, tools, and modern machinery, hindering them from working efficiently, productively, and profitably. 

With this, they continue to struggle with limited yields, unpredictable market prices, and oversupply that lead to waste and lost income. Government action is essential to strengthen food security, support the country’s farmers, and encourage farming on a national scale.