NEDA’s recent suggestion that P21 per meal is enough to afford an adequate diet has sparked outrage and disbelief among the public. Many see this as an attempt to lower the bar for poverty in the Philippines in order to avoid providing necessary assistance or regulations. The calculation of spending P64 per day on food is seen as unrealistic and unsustainable, as it would require sacrificing quality and nutritious ingredients.
The idea of surviving on canned and processed foods as a result of a limited budget is seen as unacceptable and a disregard for the right to a decent life. Many argue that the focus should be on bringing down the prices of food through measures such as suspending VAT, raising wages, and regulating prices to combat inflation. People should not have to settle for subpar nutrition or be misled about their ability to afford a healthy diet.
In conclusion, NEDA’s suggestion has been met with skepticism and criticism, with many calling for a more realistic and compassionate approach to addressing food insecurity and poverty in the country. The focus should be on ensuring that all individuals have access to affordable and nutritious food options, rather than settling for inadequate and harmful choices.
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