DSWD Increases Budget for Supplemental Feeding Program
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has raised the budget for its Supplemental Feeding Program to P5.182 billion for the School Year 2025–2026. This funding aims to deliver nutritious meals to approximately 1.5 million children in public early childhood care centers nationwide.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian explained that the budget increase follows President Marcos’ directive to enhance nutrition support for children enrolled in Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Supervised Neighborhood Plays (SNPs). The key focus is to improve the health and well-being of young learners through better nourishment.
Higher Meal Cost to Improve Nutrition
Under the new allocation, the cost per hot meal rises from P15 to P25. Each child enrolled in the Supplemental Feeding Program will receive one hot meal daily for 120 days during the school year. “This will ensure the nutritional value of meals served to participating children,” Gatchalian affirmed on June 17.
Meals will be prepared following the “Pinggang Pinoy” dietary guide, a nutritional standard set by the National Nutrition Council and validated by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute under the Department of Science and Technology. “We do not deviate from the NNC guidelines on what is served,” he added.
Additional Support for Undernourished Children
Besides hot meals, children showing signs of malnutrition will receive fresh milk valued at P22 per child. This supplement aims to support their physical development and combat early malnutrition.
The Supplemental Feeding Program is institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11037, also known as the “Masustansiyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act” enacted in 2018. It is implemented annually to improve the health and nutrition of children attending CDCs and SNPs nationwide.
The DSWD plans to roll out the enhanced program at the start of the 2025–2026 school year, ensuring better nourishment for young Filipino learners.
For more news and updates on Supplemental Feeding Program, visit Filipinokami.com.