By Kenneth Marcos 
In many Filipino homes, the dinner table is not always full. For millions worldwide, this is a daily reality, worsened by changing weather and shrinking farmlands.
Today, about 673 million people still suffer from hunger. This alarming number reflects a growing crisis linked to climate change and damage to the land that feeds us. More than 10% of the world’s land has been damaged by human activity. Most of this is farmland, which means the very source of our food is under threat.
Rising temperatures and extreme weather—such as typhoons, droughts, and shifting rainfall—are hurting crops and fish populations. These changes reduce harvests, weaken the nutritional value of food, and increase the spread of pests and diseases. For farmers and fishers in the Philippines and beyond, this means less income and food insecurity for many families.
If these problems are ignored, more communities will face hunger and malnutrition. This World Food Day, the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future” calls on everyone to act together. Fighting hunger means also fighting climate change.
Experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Department of Agriculture stress that solutions must come from all parts of society. Sustainable farming practices, protecting natural resources, reducing food waste, and conscious consumption are key steps.
From planting climate-resilient crops to supporting small farmers with training and technology, the goal is to build a food system that can withstand climate shocks while feeding the growing population.
Each person, whether farmer, consumer, or policymaker, has a role to play. By working hand in hand, we can ensure that no family goes to bed hungry and that future generations inherit a healthy, fertile land.
As the world marks this important day, let it serve as a reminder that addressing hunger and climate change requires united, immediate, and sustained efforts.
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