International Year of the Potato relationship that exists between poverty, food security, malnutrition and the potential contribution of the potato to defeating hunger." This was one of many international observances declared for specific days, months and years. The year 2008 was shared with the International Year of Sanitation. It was hoped that International Year designation will do for the potato what the International Year of Rice (2004) did for that food staple, namely, inspire exhibits, educational programs, films, publications and greater public awareness of multi-national efforts on behalf of our food resources. The year 2008 was also designated the National Year of the Potato in
Philippines and the United Nations in the country. In the 75 years that the Republic of the Philippines has been a member of the United Nations, the specialized agencies of this international organization has always provided support to its member nations. Food Security Organizations such as World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) have intervened in the country’s issues with regard to hunger and food shortage. According to Social Weather Survey, approximately 3.4 million Filipino families experience involuntary hunger during the latter part of 2016.the Global Food Security Index ranked the Philippines 72nd of 109. The WFP has provided nutritious meals