The Philippines is classified among the world’s fastest urbanizing countries. Urban areas grew by 5 percent annually between 1980 and 1990. If this trend continues, an estimated 65 percent of the total population will be living in urban areas by the year 2020.
Slum and squatter settlements, sanitation problems, water and air pollution, traffic congestion and proper disposal of an abundance of solid waste are urban-specific issues.
Among the major challenges that urban areas are facing are also availability, accessibility and affordability to safe and nutritious food for its residents, otherwise known as food security.
According to the Philippine Association of Nutrition (1997), the average Filipino household is spending about 40 % of its monthly income on food alone compared to 10 to 15 % only in developed countries. It is estimated that the poorest sector of the Philippines, which comprises almost 40 % of all households, spends about 60 % of its income on food.
The limited accessibility to and affordability of food has a direct impact on the nutritional status and health of the Philippine population, particularly on children. Protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies remain the leading nutritional problems in the country.
Cagayan de Oro is rapidly becoming the center of trade and commerce in Mindanao. Presently, the population of Cagayan de Oro is about 550,000, with an annual growth rate of 4.4% compared to 2.3% national average.
