Is it possible for Filipino scientists to invent a food pill, the same one that astronauts eat in space that could last for days or months, and be fed to the poorest Filipinos?

This was the idea broached by Sagip party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta during the confirmation hearing of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. on Tuesday.

The said food pill would help the astronauts in space to be full for days or even months.

"I’m thinking aloud na kung sakali pong makaimbento tayo nung kinakain nila, ibibigay ko po sa mga mahihirap na kababayan natin. Even for months hindi sila kakain, hindi sila mamatay,” Marcoleta said during the hearing of the Commission on Appointment’s (CA) committee on science and technology.

(I'm thinking aloud if ever we could invent a food that they can eat, I will give it to our poor countrymen. Even for months that they don’t eat, they will not die.)

In response, Solidum answered in negative, noting that the only food available now are those ready to eat meals intended for disaster victims, which has shelf life of 6 months.

Marcoleta further explained his idea, citing that the food pill could be taken once and it will leave you full for days or even months.

(Because when astronauts eat their food, it will last for several days, if not months. The poorest of the poor really have no food to eat.)

“Pag ininom po ng mahirap, in two weeks lang Mr. Secretary na hindi siya bumili ng pagkain, hindi siya nagluto, ang laking bagay na po ‘yun. Makagagawa kaya tayo ng ganun?” the lawmaker further asked.

(If the poor can take the pill, they can go two weeks without buying food or cooking, and that is a huge deal. Can we make something like that?)

Solidum said they would look into it but assured the committee that food security is a concern of the DOST.