Despite this challenge in terms of hunger and food security, it has also been estimated that Filipinos waste up to 308,000 tons of rice every year. In Metro Manila, 2,175 tons of food end up in trash bins daily.

Clearly, there is a gap between the amount of food that we are able to supply and produce, and the demand which this supply should be able to address.  A great part of this problem lies in the traditional consumption and production processes which have already been established in our economy.

This led many to ask why such was the case, and how the recent 11% second quarter GDP growth will affect Mindanao’s growth as well. Here are a few thoughts, covering factors, and potentials worth exploring.

The obvious answers include the ability to produce food and thus, keep local inflation in check, which in turn can keep purchasing power and consumption stable to drive economic activities and induce recovery and growth. Noting its proximity to ASEAN and pacific sea lanes, and with the improved infrastructure such as new roads linking major Mindanao cities and recent economic reforms such as the passage of the CREATE Law that lowers corporate income taxes and puts incentives in place we will expect greater investor interest in regions such as Mindanao, especially industries that will do well to spread their capacities throughout the country.

AUTHOR: Jeppina Mogaru
DATE PUBLISHED: June 25, 2021
KEY INFO: This research may not be in Mindanao or Davao context but it is still quite relevant on our SDG "Responsible Consumption and Production" as eveident with the artwork's message.