MANILA, Philippines -- KC Concepcion, popular television and movie celebrity, will urge a concerted effort against hunger and under-nutrition in Asia, especially among children, at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Asia meeting on December 2 to 3 in Hong Kong, the United Nations' World Food Programme said in a statement.
"I hope that the needs of Asia's children will be recognized by our leaders in government, business and civil society. We need to work together to reverse this vicious cycle of under-nutrition and secure a healthier future for the hungry poor, especially children," said Concepcion, daughter of equally popular movie and television actress Sharon Cuneta.
Since her appointment as WFP's national ambassador against hunger in February 2008, Concepcion has strongly supported WFP's work of providing solutions to hunger in Asia and around the world.
Stephen Anderson, WFP's Country Director and Representative in the Philippines, said Concepcion was "an important voice for encouraging Asia's leaders that innovative nutritional and food interventions are critical in both emergency and development situations."
He said ensuring food supply would boost people's chances of survival during emergency and conflict situations.
Concepcion will join WFP Regional Director for Asia Tony Banbury at the CGI Conference in calling for nutritious food and life-saving support for children and vulnerable people, particularly those affected by conflict and natural disasters.
Since 2006, WFP's has been supporting the Mindanao peace process by providing food aid to meet urgent needs, as an immediate "peace dividend" for conflict-affected communities.
More than 520,000 people displaced by conflict in Mindanao are currently receiving food assistance from WFP.
High-level representatives from the Philippine government, business sector, and civil society are expected to participate in the CGI Asia and join in making concrete commitments to address global and regional challenges that face Asia especially during this time of financial crisis.
