MAKATI CITY — As the global community observes World Food Day on October 16, 2026, Makati City stands as a local example of how coordinated government action can address food affordability and nutrition at the community level. This year’s international theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” emphasizes the importance of combining innovation with traditional knowledge to transform agrifood systems. In Makati, this principle is reflected in a range of programs that reach vulnerable sectors, students, and families across the city. These initiatives demonstrate a sustained commitment to ensuring that access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food is treated as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
Expanding Access to Affordable Staples for Vulnerable Sectors
A cornerstone of Makati’s food security strategy is the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, which brings subsidized rice and essential goods directly to residents. Through the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” initiative, the city offers rice at ₱20 per kilo to priority groups including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and transport workers. The program was rolled out in April 2026 at the Makati City Hall Quadrangle, with initial distributions benefiting 750 residents. Beyond rice, the Kadiwa bazaars feature fresh produce, poultry, seafood, and processed foods, giving residents access to a wider range of nutritious options at prices lower than commercial markets. A separate national initiative, the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang program under the Local Government Support Fund, provided 10 kilograms of rice every two months to 13,571 families in Makati beginning in May 2026. The distribution was scheduled for multiple cycles throughout the year, reflecting a sustained rather than one-time approach to food assistance. Beneficiaries were identified from barangays across Makati and largely composed of working-class families, senior citizens, and middle-income households.
Investing in Nutrition for the Next Generation
Makati’s commitment to food security extends into its schools, where student nutrition is directly linked to academic performance. Under City Ordinance No. 2025-A-024, public school students from daycare to Grade 12 receive five kilograms of rice monthly for ten months of the school year, covering 34,631 students in the Makati Schools Division. The program was expanded in 2026 to include senior high school learners at the Higher School ng UMak for the first time. Complementing this is the Healthy Baon program, which provides balanced meals or pastry sets on alternating weeks, ensuring that young learners are nourished and ready to focus in class. Community partners are also contributing to child nutrition. In July 2026, the Rotary Club of Makati North and the Inner Wheel Club of Makati North relaunched the “Feed A Child, Build A Nation” feeding program at Francisco Benitez Elementary School in Barangay Sta. Cruz. The initiative provides nutritious meals to 100 selected Grade 1 beneficiaries for 100 school days, helping improve nutritional status, school attendance, and overall learning experience. These efforts reflect a shared responsibility for ensuring that no child has to learn on an empty stomach.
Building a More Resilient Food System
The city’s efforts align with the national government’s broader push to strengthen food security through innovation and inclusive approaches. Community-based urban farming initiatives, including the Bel-Air Community Farm, further empower residents to grow their own vegetables and herbs, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable practices. Together, these programs demonstrate that food security is not just about short-term relief but about building long-term resilience within the community. As Makati joins the global observance of World Food Day, it reaffirms its commitment to a future where every Makatizen has reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
