Ilocos region: A total of 192,509 learners in the Ilocos Region are beneficiaries of the school-based feeding program this school year. Of the total number, 128,241 are in Pangasinan, 17,992 in Ilocos Norte, 20,628 in Ilocos Sur, and 25,648 in La Union, based on data from the Department of Education (DepEd). The beneficiaries are all enrolled Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners, along with wasted and severely wasted Grades 2 to 6 learners.
According to Philippines News Agency, DepEd Undersecretary Fatima Lipp Panontongan emphasized the importance of proper nutrition for learners. "This is very important for the attendance of the children. So, if the children are not healthy, they will drop out. And their retention span while they are in the classroom is affected so it also helps that they are healthy and full," she said. The feeding program, which previously lasted 120 days, has been extended to 180 to 200 days, providing hot meals or nutritious food to the beneficiaries.
Panontongan explained that the feeding program has been cascaded to the school's division offices to expedite food procurement. In schools with a central kitchen, parents often assist in cooking. During the two-month vacation, learners in the remediation program continue to receive meals while in school. For those not attending school, DepEd coordinates with local governments to ensure the program's continuity.
Furthermore, Panontongan highlighted that funds have been allocated for adolescents and pregnant mothers this school year. "Because what we want is to avoid stunting. While the child is still in the womb, their mother is already healthy. So, we have 7,000 adolescent pregnant mothers in the school (nationwide). We can already reach them. They are part of our feeding program," she stated.
Before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration in 2022, the budget for the school-based feeding program was only PHP3.3 billion. "But now, it is PHP26 billion. We are able to feed more children. There are 4.6 million children beneficiaries this school year, and before, our maximum was 120 days, but now it is 180 to 200 days of feeding," Panontongan concluded.
