WITH an overwhelming 297 votes, the House of Representatives on Wednesday night approved on third and final reading a measure that seeks to transform the government’s existing school feeding program into a comprehensive national nutrition program aimed at combating hunger, malnutrition and learning poverty among Filipino children.
Under the guidance of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos, the chamber approved House Bill No. 9466.
The measure expands Republic Act (RA) No. 11037, or the “Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act,” by broadening feeding coverage, strengthening nutrition interventions and integrating support for health, education and local agriculture.
Speaker Dy, House Committee on Basic Education and Culture Chair Roman Romulo, and Leyte Rep. and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez were among the principal authors of the measure.
Marcos said the bill recognizes that hunger remains one of the biggest obstacles to learning and child development in the country.
“No child should be forced to learn on an empty stomach. By strengthening and expanding our nutrition programs, we are giving Filipino children a better chance to succeed in school, stay healthy and reach their full potential,” Marcos said.
Under the measure, Romualdez said the Department of Education’s school-based feeding program will be expanded to cover all public school learners from Kindergarten to Grade 3, as well as undernourished learners from Grades 4 to 12.
He said the bill also increases the number of feeding days from 120 to 200 annually to provide more sustained nutritional support to learners throughout the school year.
“This measure goes beyond assisting schoolchildren. It also provides support to nutritionally at-risk pregnant learners, children with disabilities, indigenous learners, and other vulnerable sectors who are more likely to experience hunger and malnutrition. No Filipino child or learner should be left behind simply because of their circumstances,” Romualdez said.
The measure adopts a broader nutrition-centered approach by institutionalizing interventions that address not only hunger but also micronutrient deficiencies, child growth and development, maternal nutrition, sanitation, health education and food security.
It also strengthens the government’s milk feeding program through the Department of Agriculture and the National Dairy Authority while prioritizing the procurement of locally produced fresh milk and dairy products from Filipino farmers and cooperatives.
To support rural livelihoods and boost domestic food production, the bill requires that at least 30 percent of agricultural and fishery products used under the program be sourced directly from local farmers and fisherfolk, particularly small-scale producers.
Romualdez said the measure goes beyond feeding children and also serves as an investment in the country’s long-term development.
“This is more than a nutrition program. It is an investment in our children, our schools, our farmers and our future. By connecting nutrition, education and agriculture, we are creating a stronger foundation for inclusive and sustainable development,” Romualdez said.
The bill likewise provides for micronutrient supplementation, iron and folic acid interventions, regular health examinations, deworming, sanitation and hygiene programs, nutrition education and the establishment of central kitchens in school divisions to improve food safety and meal distribution.
Romualdez said the long-term benefits of the measure extend far beyond the classroom.
“Every peso invested in nutrition yields benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. Healthier children become better learners, more productive citizens and stronger contributors to nation-building. This measure is a strategic investment in the future of the Philippines,” Romualdez said.
The measure is also authored by Reps. Brian Poe, Bella Vanessa Suansing, Mikaela Angela Suansing, Janette Garin, Roy Gonzales, Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Carmelo Lazatin Jr., Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, Jude Acidre, Agatha Paula Aguilar Cruz, Jaime Fresnedi, Eduardo Rama Jr., Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” Villanueva, Benjamin Agarao Jr., Lani Mercado-Revilla, Bryan Revilla, Ramon Jolo Revilla III, Patrick Michael Vargas, Eric Olivarez, Eric Yap, Ma. Nina Francesca Lacson, Munir Arbison Jr., Kristine Singson-Meehan, Audrey Kay Zubiri, Adrian Salceda and Brian Raymund Yamsuan.
Also listed as authors were Bai Dimple Mastura, Celso Regencia, Perci Cendaña, Chel Diokno, Dadah Kiram Ismula, Kaka Bag-ao, Florabel Yatco, Kenneth Gatchalian, Laarni Lavin Roque, Dale Corvera, Salvador Pleyto, Ma. Isabel Sagarbarria, Carlos Andes Loria, Ustadz Yusop Alano, Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Julius Cesar “Jay” Vergara, Jennifer “Karen” Lagbas, Eulogio “Leo” Rodriguez, Leila de Lima, Marie Bernadette Escudero, Jose “Bong” Teves Jr., Albert Garcia, Arnie Fuentebella, Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” Tan, Monique Yazmin Maria Lagdameo, Romeo Momo Sr., Jose Alvarez, Rufus Rodriguez, Joseph Tan, Loreto Amante and Alexandria “Queenie” Gonzales.
The bill was likewise authored by Reynante Arrogancia, Gerardo “Gerryboy” Espina Jr., Dante Garcia, Ma. Cristina Talavera Lopez, Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay, Claudine Diana Bautista-Lim, Patricia Calderon, Timothy Joseph Cayton, Ricardo Cruz Jr., Maximo Dalog Jr., Felimon Espares, Antolin Oreta III, Rolando Valeriano, Nelson Legacion, Dibu Tuan, Amado Carlos Bolilia IV, Arlyn Ayon, Iris Marie Demesa Montes, Elijah Rumbaoa San Fernando, Jan Franz Norbert Joselito Chan, Mark Cojuangco, Gerald Cloyd Alexis Galang, Jesus “Jess” Marquez and Linabelle Ruth Villarica.
