By Leslie Ann Aquino

Caloocan Bishop Pablo David said it was “morally wrong” to waste food, especially when many people are going hungry.

“It’s absurd to even think about the amount of food that goes to waste in a country, where so many people go hungry,” he said in an interview.

“It is morally wrong and a serious sin,” David added.

This was why the prelate welcomed the proposed House Bill 3342 or “Zero Hunger Act” which aims to promote food security and prevent food wastage in the country.

Under the measure, food establishments shall donate a portion or all of their surplus food either daily or weekly to accredited beneficiaries.

David believes the concern of food establishments when it comes to their food donation was something that can be addressed.

“It is easy to address the typical concern of people in food business about being held liable in case the food that they donate gets spoiled in transit or due to improper handling,” he said.

“That’s precisely where the charitable organizations come in, to assume responsibility for what is donated,” added David.

Father Anton Pascual, executive director of Caritas Manila, also welcomed the bill as this would address directly the evil of hunger.

“Zero Hunger Act bill is spirit inspired to address directly the evil of hunger. Hunger is not Gods will. Ten percent of Filipinos will sleep each night hungry. Feed the hungry is a corporal work of mercy,” he said.

In a Christian dominated country, Pascual said to feed the hungry was an obligation, and not a choice.

He said Caritas Manila was fully supportive of the bill and even offered to be a conduit of food for the hungry.

“Caritas Manila is open to be a partner and conduit of food for the hungry,” said Pascual.

In the past, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) said a Filipino household wastes 43 grams of rice daily, as well as other food items.

The World Hunger Report 2018 also revealed that about 13.3 million Filipinos were considered as food-insecure.