by Alyanna Nicole Hidalgo (Ikirara)
What if we could completely change the world’s food systems to make healthier, more accessible, and more sustainable food for all?
The smallest steps in the right direction create the greatest changes, and a Filipino scientist who also happens to be a professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is part of that change.
On March 11, 2021, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) announced that Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio (Recombinants) is part of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) Champions. He is a farmer, geneticist, plant breed researcher, academician, and the current director of Philippines-located Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
According to the United Nations, the Food Systems Summit is a partaker of the decade-long action to deliver progress on and ultimately achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. From all over the world, people who are key players in their field are chosen to be a UNFSS Champion in terms of how they design their food, how they responsibly manage the production and consumption of food, and/or how they go about their advocacy. These champions include those, but are not limited to, people in the field of science, business, healthcare, as well as those in agriculture, environmental activism, and even the indigenous people. The summit will transpire on September 2021 wherein these people gather to “bring about tangible, positive changes to the world’s food systems.”
In an interview with Dr. Gregorio, he mentions that these champions will come together to discuss and conduct workshops, do consultations, and gather new and creative ideas to make food systems more sustainable. The action plans for the ideas, which are supported by the UN, will then be submitted to the state leaders to see if they will agree and support these tangible ways. The ultimate goal of a Champion is to be able to implement these in their respective countries with the full support of the government and full awareness of the people.
In our current setting during the COVID-19 pandemic, the world’s food systems have been put to the test. This crisis has affected millions of people, especially the poor and marginalized, and has left food systems fragile. This is where UNFSS steps in—to slowly but surely discuss how to improve and strengthen our food systems to help the people get back on track.
However, certain people have already tried to take part in this change. During the pandemic, Dr. Gregorio says that the people have become more aware about the importance of food and food security, and where and how they procure food. Because of this, people have thought up of ways to still be able to supply their homes with food without compromising their safety such as planting their own vegetables and fruits. Community-organized solutions such as community pantries in barangays ensure that residents do not need to go to far-flung areas just to obtain food. Many have also started to analyze and plan what they consume on a daily basis.
When asked on how he felt after he received the news of being chosen as one if the UNFSS Champions, Dr. Gregorio said he was overwhelmed since he feels that there are many who also qualify as champions. Some are big-time people who are directors of huge companies and well-known professors. He got the title when the UN identified him and approached him due to his works and achievements. As someone who has been in his line of work for almost 30 years, he says that his awards and achievements are all bonuses. “Once a farmer, always a farmer,” he answers when asked about what inspires him to continue. Being an agriculturist, a farmer, and a geneticist, he links everything he has done to his love for his job and on how he could improve and impact the food system with his research and mentorship. It excites him every day that he can do what he is doing for the future generations.
He also warns every aspirant of awards of giving in to the noxiousness of taking too much, where sometimes, they may feel obliged to take more once the awards keep coming. Instead of taking, he advises that we give: give awards and nominate others who are deserving of the title. He also emphasizes the importance of service over the desire to be extraordinary for gaining awards. He states that the end of the day, everyone’s goal must be to have impact on society such as improving the food systems of your community.
So, why should people know more about the UN Food Systems Summit? Dr. Gregorio emphasizes that people need to be more aware about the situation around the world, which includes learning from the mistakes of others, applying what other countries have done to our own country if possible, and what the individual can do on their own to contribute to the food system. Most cannot change the world’s problem in a flash, so he advises us to start small by attempting to solve problems in our families first, then moving on our communities, province, region, and country, until we leave an impact to the world.
Clearly, being food secure is essential to ensure the health of our people. Ensuring a life far from hunger is essential for every driving force in the country to thrive, especially when our food security takes consequent blows under the COVID-19 pandemic. In times like these, every family from all walks of life deserves to expect enough food on their table, and advocates for food security will carry this out into reality.
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