Manila, Philippines – Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala leads the observance of the 2011 World Food Day (WFD) today with singer and actress Lea Salonga as special guest.
Alcala said the Department of Agriculture (DA) has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) in observing World Food Day in the Philippines every October 16. The celebration started in 1980, he said, to promote awareness of food security for all in the fight against world hunger and malnutrition. It is also the founding anniversary of the FAO, which was organized in October 16, 1979 by UN member-countries, including the Philippines. Lea Salonga was appointed last year by the FAO as one of the four Goodwill Ambassadors to help in the global fight against hunger.
The three others are Canadian singer Celine Dion, American actress Susan Sarandon, and Italian actor Raoul Bova. (Marvyn N. Benaning)