About Us

The Philippine Network of Food Security Programs, Inc. addresses food security for the most deprived sectors of the Filipino people, most especially the poor peasants in the countryside. It aims to facilitate and coordinate resources, exchanges of experiences, and information in a concerted effort to combat hunger and create conditions that will allow men, women, and children of the most disadvantaged sectors to lead a healthy and active life.

PNFSP is the result of the National Conference on Food Security held in Tagaytay City from August 29 to 30, 2005 with the participation of 25 organizations from all over the country. Aware of the dismal state of food security in the Philippines, the participants resolved to unify and dedicate their collective effort to addressing and upholding the people’s right to food.

As advocates of sustainable development, network members respond to issues that go beyond the quantity and quality of food. The network addresses core issues that threaten food security including conversion of agricultural lands, landlessness, import liberalization, feudal relations of production, backward means of production, migration and urban poverty, unequal food distribution, and generically engineered food. The network also recognizes political instability, natural disasters, and development aggression as factors that worsen food insecurity.

Principles guiding interventions and activities

  • Any intervention or activity should be ecologically sound, not in any way adding to the depletion or destruction of non-renewable resources.
  • Any gains in productivity, modernization, and yield must be sustainable.
  • The intervention or activity must be gender-sensitive and safeguard the rights of children and youth.
  • It should be people-centered – attuned to the level of awareness and acceptance of the poor, while at the same time seeking to upgrade and develop awareness.
  • Any intervention or activity should be liberative and strongly adhere to the principle of empowerment and self-reliance.
  • It should facilitate and develop a sense of community and concern for other people and sectors in other places, including urban areas, where food security is also threatened.
  • It should respect political, cultural, and religious beliefs and practices including those of indigenous communities.

Programs and services

Sustainable Agriculture and Community-Level Appropriate Technology

  • Research on local practices and techniques as well as those in other regions and countriesParticipative development and testing of appropriate techniques and alternative energy sources
  • Workshops in target communities
  • Promotion, implementation, and evaluation tested techniques and practices

Capability Building Program

  • Conducting trainings and education
  • Facilitation of trainings and other related activities
  • Skills development (project proposal making, program management, monitoring and evaluation)
  • Facilitation of farmers’ exchange programs

Research, Information, Advocacy, & Networking

  • Situational updates on food security-related issues
  • Sharing of information experiences, services, material resources through data banks
  • Regular updates on food security (written or in other forms)
  • Promotion of the food security concept
  • Recruitment of organizations that subscribe to PNFSP’s concept of food security.