International Youth Day Advocate Series: Ray Alyannah Lagasca and HPA Youth Network Advancing Youth-Led Advocacy for Food Justice in the Philippines

In commemoration of International Youth Day, GHAI’s Food & Nutrition Program is spotlighting advocates empowering youth leaders driving change in their communities through our International Youth Day Advocate Series. Written by the advocates themselves, these stories showcase the passion, creativity and determination of young people advancing healthy food policies around the world. Youth advocacy is essential to building healthier food environments—young leaders bring fresh perspectives, lived experiences and powerful voices that influence decision-makers, inspire their peers and shape the policies that affect their generation and the next.

As the current lead convener of the Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA) Youth Network, I have the privilege of working alongside 18 youth-led organizations across the Philippines that are actively addressing noncommunicable diseases and mental health through policy advocacy. Our collective efforts focus on prevention, treatment, care and fostering meaningful youth engagement in public health discourse.

I regard healthy food policy as a multidimensional issue that extends beyond physical health, encompassing education, equity, environmental sustainability and socioeconomic well-being—particularly for vulnerable populations such as the youth. I firmly believe that the lived experiences of young people are indispensable in formulating effective, inclusive and contextually relevant solutions. In my work, I strive to provide youth advocates with the necessary platforms, knowledge and skills to articulate their concerns, make informed health decisions and engage with policymakers. By promoting critical thinking and nurturing creativity, I aim to empower young leaders to become influential voices in the pursuit of food justice.

I also recognize healthy eating as a vital form of healthy coping—especially for youth navigating stress, emotional challenges and mental health concerns. Encouraging nutritious food choices not only supports physical well-being but also fosters emotional resilience and self-care. Integrating this understanding into food policy advocacy allows us to promote holistic health strategies that are responsive to the realities young people face.

My vision is a future in which equitable, sustainable and nutritious food systems are shaped by the active participation of youth at every level of decision-making. I envision young advocates as key drivers of policy reform, championing initiatives that prioritize community health, climate resilience, and social equity. In this future, food policy serves as a mechanism for empowerment, ensuring universal access to affordable, culturally appropriate and nourishing food. I aspire to see collaborative efforts among educational institutions, government bodies and civil society organizations that recognize and elevate youth contributions.

I and the members of HPA Youth Network remain committed to advancing a society where youth advocacy is integral to building a healthier, more inclusive and just food system—where access to nutritious food is upheld as a fundamental human right, not a privilege.