Advocating change for the right to food and health

Under the influence of a broad alliance of organizations and citizens, duty bearers are engaging with social movements in advocating a rights-based health system and a rights-based agro-ecological food and agriculture system. Solidagro, Viva Salud and their Philippine partners aim to influence government policy changes in the Philippines through the support to social movements promoting a rights-based health system and a rights-based agro-ecological food and agriculture system. The main strategies that are employed are: - Policy advocacy: lobbying, proposing policies to lawmakers, participating in dialogues with legislators, monitoring the implementation of existing laws, reviewing policies and programs and proposing changes for its improvement, and tracking the passage of laws detrimental to the people’s right to health and food. Specific themes are public health care, occupational health and safety, democratic space for health movements and agro-ecology. - Public awareness raising: campaigning, educating the public through community discussions, coming up with information materials, public forums, etc. A better-informed public is better positioned to claim their rights, and put pressure on the government to act and uphold these rights. - Community modelling and documentation, that provide evidence and proof that will convince government representatives of our advocacies. This includes the development of learning and community farms, and documentation and promotion of best practices. - Networking and alliance building at national and international level provides a stronger and unified voice for a more effective advocacy. This includes linking with the academe, church, professionals, international allies, experts, media, and other sectors. When implementing these strategies, special attention is given to the rights of women, and to the protection of the environment. To increase the effectivity of these efforts, Solidagro and Viva Salud will cooperate with other civil society organizations active in the Philippines, including Belgian NGOs such as We Social Movements, Entraide & Fraternité, Çavaria, 11.11.11 and our consortium partner Quinoa.