Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) — The provision of food pills may address hunger among a number of poor Filipinos, a lawmaker said on Thursday.
During the confirmation hearing of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta said the production of food pills, or something similar to those eaten by astronauts in space, would allow poor families to survive.
“I’m thinking aloud na kung sakali pong makaimbento tayo nung kinakain nila (astronauts), ibibigay ko po sa mga mahihirap na kababayan natin. Even for months hindi sila kakain, hindi sila mamatay,” Marcoleta said.
[Translation: I’m thinking aloud if we can invent what they are eating, I will give it to our poor citizens. Even for months they do not have to eat, they will not die.]
“Ito ho palliative lang. Meaning to say we have to just fill up a gap. Kung sakali pong matulungan natin the poorest of our poor, naimbento po ninyo yung pildoras o whatever, kahit anong kulay pa po yun tatanggapin ko,” Marcoleta said.
[Translation: This is just palliative. If we will help the poorest of the poor, you’ll invent a pill or whatever, whatever color it is I will accept it.]
Solidum said the country has not developed such food form. He noted there is only food at times given during disasters, which has a shelf life of six months.
Marcoleta then asked if Filipino scientists can develop food pills.
Solidum said his agency will look into it, noting that food security and availability of nutritious food are a concern for the department.
The Commission on Appointments approved the designation of Solidum and two other Cabinet secretaries.
“Marcoleta” is trending on Twitter as of Thursday following the lawmaker’s statement.
Netizens are questioning his suggestion, with some saying he is insensitive and that poverty should be first addressed to eventually solve hunger.
One of them suggested that the lawmaker be the first to test such pill for a month without eating to see “how sincere and passionate he is for this crazy proposal.” Another commented that the suggestion is “clownery at its best.”
Last year, Marcoleta was also involved in another issue after he and Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor held an “ivermectin pantry” in Quezon City, where the anti-parasitic drug was given away for free even when it was not yet registered for human use in the country.
