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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD allots P5.18 billion to feed 1.5 million schoolchildren

DSWD allots P5.18 billion to feed 1.5 million schoolchildren

Published Jun 17, 2025 04:32 pm
(DSWD PHOTO)
(DSWD PHOTO)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has increased the budget for its Supplemental Feeding Program (SFP) to P5.182 billion for the School Year 2025–2026 to provide nutritious meals to about 1.5 million schoolchildren in public early childhood care centers nationwide.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the budget hike follows President Marcos’ directive to strengthen nutrition support for children enrolled in Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Supervised Neighborhood Plays (SNPs).
Under the revised allocation, the cost per hot meal will increase from P15 to P25, providing one hot meal per day for 120 days to children enrolled in the SFP.
“This will ensure the nutritional value of meals served to participating children,” Gatchalian said on Tuesday, June 17.
He noted that meals will follow the “Pinggang Pinoy” dietary guide prescribed by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and validated by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology.
“We do not deviate from the NNC guidelines on what is served,” he said.
In addition to hot meals, undernourished children will receive fresh milk valued at P22 per child, to support their physical development and address early signs of malnutrition.
The SFP, which is institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11037 or the “Masustansiyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act” in 2018, is implemented annually to improve the health and nutrition of children in CDCs and SNPs.
The DSWD aims to implement the updated program at the start of School Year 2025–2026.

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DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian Supplemental Feeding Program School Year 2025-2026
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