Protecting Plates: Protective and Prevention Strategies Against Chronic Hunger in Barangay Apas, Cebu City

Abstract

Chronic hunger and food insecurity remain persistent global concerns affecting health, economic stability, and social development. Despite advancements in food production systems, many households continue to experience limited access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food due to challenges in accessibility, utilization, and stability of food resources. This study assessed the food protection and prevention strategies against chronic hunger in Barangay Apas, Cebu City, and examined the relationship between respondents’ demographic profiles and these variables. A descriptive-correlational survey design was utilized involving 30 household respondents selected from Barangay Apas. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and standard deviation. Findings revealed that food protection strategies were moderately effective, particularly in food assistance, school feeding, emergency food aid, and coordination with local government units and partner organizations. However, gaps were observed in the inclusion of senior citizens in assistance programs. Similarly, prevention strategies were also moderately effective, with strengths in livelihood programs, financial literacy initiatives, employment opportunities, and skills training, while weaknesses were noted in urban gardening initiatives and long-term food security planning. The study concludes that Barangay Apas demonstrates moderately effective but fragmented food protection and prevention strategies, where implementation is supported by community participation and government programs, yet requires stronger integration, inclusivity, and sustainability. It is recommended the barangay strengthen integration of programs, enhance senior citizen inclusion, expand urban gardening and backyard farming initiatives, intensify nutrition education, and establish stronger monitoring systems and inter-agency coordination to ensure sustainable food security interventions.