ILOILO City – More than 188,000 undernourished learners across Western Visayas will receive daily nutritious meals under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) expanded School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP).
DepEd Region 6 officially launched the initiative aimed at combating child malnutrition and improving academic performance.
The “Healthy Learners, Stronger Champions: Regional School-Based Feeding Program” for School Year 2026-2027 was unveiled on July 8 at Banica Elementary School in Roxas City. This region-wide nutrition intervention will provide hot meals for at least 120 days.
The program targets 188,167 learners, primarily kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils, as well as Grades 2 to 6 students identified as wasted or severely wasted through a comprehensive nutritional assessment.
Held in line with the observance of Nutrition Month, the launching underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that no learner is deprived of proper nutrition while pursuing an education.
DepEd-6 director Dr. Cristito Eco urged teachers, school heads, and stakeholders to sustain their commitment throughout the 120-day feeding cycle to ensure the program’s success.
He also challenged schools to make the feeding initiative more engaging for children.
“Let us think of other ways to make our feeding program enticing to our learners,” he added.
To formally kick off the initiative, Eco, Assistant Regional Director Miguel Mac Aposin and Education Support Services Division Chief Leonerico Barredo personally served hot meals to 50 Grade 1 pupils.
The meal consisted of tinolang manok, rice, bananas, and milk, reflecting the department’s emphasis on providing balanced and nutritious food.
“This program ensures that all students receive the adequate nutrition they need while in school, which is essential for both their health and academic success,” said Hernani Escullar Jr., information officer of DepEd-6.
The feeding may be extended to 220 days, while milk supplementation will be provided for 30 days.
DepEd-6 said the initiative supports its nationwide campaign under the theme “Creating a Future Where No Child Goes Hungry,” reinforcing efforts to reduce child malnutrition and improve learning outcomes.
Following the launch, DepEd officials also met with Parent-Teacher Association officers from 50 participating schools to discuss learner safety, strengthen parental involvement, and reiterate the department’s strict No Collection Policy.
As part of the Nutrition Month celebration, DepEd Region 6 also spearheaded a community tree-planting activity in Barangay Talon, Roxas City, highlighting the link between nutrition, environmental sustainability, and community participation in promoting the overall well-being of learners./PN
