RSDC 9 endorses IPC as tool to analyze food security situation

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 9 convened last Nov. 13 for its 4^th quarter meeting at Roderic’s Resort here to discuss the results of the Integrated Food Security Phase  Classification (IPC) survey of the National Nutrition Council (NNC).

Ms. Hygeia Ceres Catalina B. Gawe, chief of the NNC Nutrition Surveillance Division presented the results and findings of the IPC survey. She cited the factors contributing to food insecurity in Mindanao such as high poverty, high underemployment, high unemployment, increased food prices, frequent flooding and drought, high vulnerability to landslides and flashfloods, prolonged/sporadic armed conflict and others.

Among the findings was that majority of Mindanao provinces are classified as stressed and in crisis levels of food insecurity with Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte in the emergency level.

She requested RSDC 9 to endorse the use of IPC to provincial development councils as reference for identifying priorities for food security interventions and as an input to development and sectoral investment planning.

As such, there is a need to communicate the IPC analysis results for action by disseminating the IPC report for Mindanao to guide planning and delivery of strategic responses among national inter-agency groups and RSDCs to promote and improve food security in priority areas.

Nestor R. Carbonera, chairperson of RSDC 9 who presided over the meeting favorably endorsed  the IPC to be utilized and implemented in the municipal, city and provincial levels through the RDC. The body also agreed to tap the NNC as the lead agency to promote IPC in Region 9.

Meanwhile, Manolette Jude Mercado of NEDA 9 enlightened the group on the comparative advantage of the region. Zamboanga Peninsula is the 2^nd biggest mango producer next to Southern Mindanao, 3^rd in seaweed production, as well as the biggest traditional exporter of coco-based products such as coco pellets and others.

The committee also discussed plans on how to help victims of typhoon Yolanda which will also be tackled in today’s RDC meeting in Pagadian City. (PIA9)