61,000 children benefit from Manila's free milk program
Published Jun 29, 2026 11:31 am
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Updated Jun 29, 2026 04:53 pm
Young learners proudly hold packs of fresh milk during the launch of Yormilk 2.0, the City of Manila’s expanded nutrition program that will provide free milk three times a week to more than 61,000 public school children. (Photos courtesy of PIO)
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday, June 29, launched an expanded version of the city’s milk feeding program, increasing coverage from over 21,000 to about 60,000 public school students in a bid to curb child malnutrition.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso joins young learners during the launch of Yormilk 2.0: Kaagapay ng Batang Maynila sa Kalusugan at Dr. Albert Elementary School on June 29.
The program, dubbed “YorMilk 2.0: Kaagapay ng Batang Maynila sa Paglaki,” was rolled out at Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School in Sampaloc and now covers all kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils, in addition to preschool beneficiaries.
Domagoso said the expansion addresses persistent malnutrition and stunting among Filipino children, citing national health data that continue to show high rates across the country, including in urban areas.
Under the program, beneficiaries will receive fresh milk three times a week, with the city government sourcing supplies from local dairy farmers through the National Dairy Authority (NDA).
NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius T. Andaya said the program’s expansion reflects its initial success, noting the jump from 21,000 beneficiaries in its first run.
He added that the initiative also provides a steady market for local dairy producers, who often struggle to sell milk once feeding programs end.
City officials said the program is designed to ensure continuity of nutrition support as children move from daycare to early primary grades, while also helping ease the financial burden on families.
The YorMilk 2.0 rollout forms part of the city government’s broader effort to improve child health and support agricultural livelihoods through coordinated local programs.