The recent Liveable Cities Lab, held on October 9, 2024, tackled critical issues of food security and malnutrition in the Philippines, bringing together insights from a range of experts. Mr. Guillermo M. Luz stressed the direct connection between food insecurity and economic development, while John Echauz highlighted alarming trends, including high rates of stunting and overnutrition.

Key initiatives presented included Ma Elena Van Tooren’s VeggiEskwela program, which aims to increase vegetable production, and Henry Sison’s Agro-DigitalPH, a digital platform designed to boost farmers' incomes. Celerina Amores shared the success of the Hapag Movement, which has delivered fresh produce to more than 70,000 families, while Jomar Flores of Rise Against Hunger focused on the ongoing fight against child malnutrition. Jirah Aisa Sideco showcased Quezon City’s initiatives to promote healthy eating and sustainable nutrition.

This Liveable Cities Lab emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure food security for all Filipinos.