The BAON Crises: Behind the price tag of hunger

The webinar “Unpacking the BAON Crises: Food Insecurity Amidst Rising Cost of Food,” held on 24 June 2025, tackled the harsh realities behind rising food costs through the lens of Budgeting, Accessibility, Overpricing, and Nutrition (BAON). Led by the SDG2 Zero Hunger Project of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Philippines (SDSN), Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Davao University, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan and Buklod Atenista, the discussion emphasized how food insecurity is shaped not just by scarcity, but by power, policy, and profit. From rice cartels to diskarte (strategy) in palengke (market), the conversation tackled how everyday hunger is a crisis we can no longer ignore.

Mr Jhon Louie Sabal, Chairperson of the Department of Economics at Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan attributes 63% of rice inflation nationwide to "greedflation," where markups beyond production costs, exacerbated by deregulation and cartel behavior, drive up prices. Mr. Sabal emphasized raising rice costs is a political issue impacting national stability. He urged structural reforms and improved governance to support local producers and consumers.

Dr Mary Racelis, Research Scientist and Senior Lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University, shared the lived experiences of urban poor communities who live on diskarte, dignity, and daily sacrifice. Many people are struggling to get enough food, even if they eat three meals a day. At the same time, informal groups are creating successful self-help programs and community gardens to feed themselves and others. She advocates for inclusive policies that acknowledges the resilience and women's leadership within these communities, reframing "informality" as a strength.

The BAON Crises webinar touched on multiple interlinked Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that emphasize the urgency of addressing food insecurity in the Philippines. At the core was SDG 2: Zero Hunger, as the aforementioned speakers highlighted the nutritional deficiencies, meal-skipping practices, and malnourishment experienced by vulnerable households. 

The conversation deepened during the open forum, moderated by Dr Philip Arnold Tuaño, where key questions revealed the tangible impacts of food insecurity and the urgency of having coordinated responses. Students in vulnerable communities often suffer from undernourishment due to overpriced and nutritionally inadequate food, leading to difficulty concentrating in class, as highlighted by Hannah Pardilla who noted many eat only once or twice daily. 

In response, Dr Gerry Plator from Xavier University Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative, shared how the institution partnered with its community to offer rice and subsidized rates. In addition, Ms. Jhoan Mae Labog from Ateneo de Davao University emphasized efforts to promote healthier diets through the implementation of Pinggang Pinoy and the restriction of junk food in school settings.

These efforts underscore the urgent need for political action and accountability, with calls from Dr Racelis for education and empowerment, and from Ms Marilyn Wahingon, community leader from Muzon, Pangasinan, who urged policymakers to address the root causes of poverty through sustainable job creation rather than temporary aid, echoing the sentiment that aid is only temporary relief; people needed jobs to support themselves and their families.

The BAON Crises Webinar made one thing clear: hunger is not just a matter of empty stomachs, but also of broken systems. Beyond the statistics, food insecurity is a lived reality of many fellow Filipinos. To move forward, we must listen to communities, invest in sustainable solutions, and demand accountability from those in power. Food is not just “fuel,” it is a foundation for dignity, development, and a just future.