Fostering collaboration for healthier diets in Southeast Asia 

In an effort to foster collaboration toward healthier diets in Southeast Asia, the CGIAR Research Initiative on Fruit and Vegetables for Sustainable Healthy Diets (FRESH) and the Philippine Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) hosted a pivotal event in Manila, Philippines. Held on July 17, 2024, the FRESH Science and Innovations Forum provided a platform for stakeholders to explore key findings and recommendations informed by FRESH research and the International Food Policy Research Institute’s (IFPRI) 2024 Global Food Policy Report: Food Systems for Healthy Diets and Nutrition. 

The focus of the forum was particularly relevant for the Philippines, where undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies coexist alongside rising rates of overweight and obesity. Despite rapid economic growth, the country’s food systems struggle to consistently deliver nutrient-dense foods like fruit and vegetables to consumers. The FRESH Initiative is working to promote fruit and vegetable consumption in the Philippines by addressing barriers across the food system. 

Sharing insights and exploring solutions 

The event commenced with welcome messages from FRESH and DOST-FNRI leaders who emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches in addressing nutrition and food system challenges. This theme was reflected in presentations from FRESH researchers, who shared insights on consumer behavior, food environments, supply chains, and food policy. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, FRESH Country Coordinator for the Philippines, synthesized the findings and underscored FRESH’s ongoing activities in these critical areas.    

A highlight of the morning session was an interactive talk show where stakeholders discussed how their agencies could contribute to increasing fruit and vegetable production, distribution, and consumption. Representatives from various sectors, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior and Local Government, DOST, and the UN World Food Programme, spoke about their programs focused on addressing obstacles to sustainable healthy diets. The session concluded with participants signing commitments to advance these efforts across the country. 

Global Food Policy Report: Regional priorities 

After a lunch break, participants reconvened for the launch of IFPR’s Global Food Policy Report (GFPR) in Southeast Asia. The report draws on recent evidence to explore how food systems can be transformed to improve diets and nutrition outcomes. Key findings from the report were shared by Deanna Olney, FRESH Initiative Lead and Director of IFPRI’s Nutrition Diets and Health Unit. IFPRI Senior Research Fellows Neha Kumar and Phuong Hong Nguyen discussed demand-side solutions and priorities specific to the Southeast Asian context.  

A panel discussion followed, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities surrounding food systems transformation and sustainable healthy diets. Panelists included representatives from the Philippines National Academy of Science and Technology, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Nutrition Council, Department of Education, and the World Wide Fund for Nature.  

A shared vision for the future 

As the Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia continue to navigate nutritional challenges, collaboration across sectors will be crucial for securing healthier diets. The FRESH Science and Innovations Forum provided a dynamic platform for evidence-based insights to inform practical policies and solutions. The commitments made during the event reflect a shared vision for transforming food systems to ensure sustainable healthy diets are accessible to all. 

The FRESH Initiative is being implemented by CGIAR researchers from IFPRI, CIMMYT, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, IWMI, and CIP in close partnership with the World Vegetable Center, Applied Horticultural Research, the University of Sydney, the Institute of Development Studies, Wageningen University & Research, the University of California, Davis, Borlaug Institute of South Asia, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka and the Philippines Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute, along with other partners.  

Header image: Panel discussants in the morning session sharing their agencies’ efforts and strategies to contribute to improving fruit and vegetable production and consumption. From left to right: Mr. Dipayan Bhattacharyya (UN WFP), Dr. Gerald Glenn Panganiban (DA-BPI), Dr. Reynaldo Ebora (DOST-PCAARRD); Moderator: Dir. Emilita Monville-Oro (IIRR).