CHR commends DOST’s ready-to-eat meals for vulnerable sectors during disasters

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday recognized the efforts of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to develop ready-to-eat (RTE) meals that address the food and nutrition needs of the vulnerable sectors during disasters.

Ready-to-eat meals. Image from DOST website

“Food supplies are one of the most important humanitarian responses to emergencies,” CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement on Monday.

“But in disaster and calamity situations, it is essential to first establish that food supplies are culturally and nutritionally appropriate for the affected population; and that the costs of their purchase, transportation, storage, and distribution are kept to a minimum,” she added.

DOST produced a new RTE meal which is chicken corn soup under their “Pack of Hope” project.

The agency also developed an RTE arroz caldo back in 2014. This project aims to address the immediate hunger of victims of calamities while ensuring that their food is safe to consume and can be easily distributed.

CHR also recognized how the project is executed through a “human rights-based approach” that would help address the needs of the people.

“DOST’s newest product demonstrates how a human rights-based approach to science is pivotal in creating and implementing programs that focus on people’s needs and priorities; while also ensuring the health, safety, and livelihood of the most vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged,” she said.

According to de Guia, this project will help in eradicating hunger in the country and ensuring that all people including the poor and the vulnerable will have equal access to food.

“Having adequate food and nutrition promotes healthy lives and well-being for all people at all ages, and reduces mortality ratios and prevention of diseases,” she added.

The agency hopes that DOST will continue to develop the project now that they are collaborating with agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development. — Sofia Vertucio, Inquirer trainee

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