The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to strengthen its feeding program next year.
This comes after senators approved an increased budget aimed at addressing malnutrition among children.
Under the Senate-approved budget, funding for the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) rose to ₱28.66 billion, up from ₱11.78 billion this year.
With the increased funding, the agency will be able to ensure food assistance for 4.49 million learners, extend the program to up to 200 days, and expand support for vulnerable groups.
According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the move by lawmakers highlights the growing recognition that a child’s nutrition directly affects their ability to learn.
Angara believes that the higher budget will allow DepEd to achieve its goal of implementing a balanced strategy of both universal and targeted feeding.
(PHOTO COURTESY: DEPED)
