For the school-based feeding programs for FY 2024, the DepEd has doubled the budget to Php 11.7 billion Philippines Department of Agriculture-National Dairy Authority (DA-NDA) participated in the launch of…

For the school-based feeding programs for FY 2024, the DepEd has doubled the budget to Php 11.7 billion

Philippines Department of Agriculture-National Dairy Authority (DA-NDA) participated in the launch of the School Mental Health Program and the kick-off of the School-Based Milk Feeding Program (SBFP) for FY 2024 at Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon City.

The event, themed “Batang Matatag: Nourishing Mind and Strengthening Bodies,” focused on combating undernutrition in school children. For the school-based feeding programs for FY 2024, the DepEd has doubled the budget to Php 11.7 billion. The department also announced an extension of feeding days from 120 to 220, emphasising the accessibility of all program components, including hot meals, nutritious food products, and milk.

The DepEd also launched the “Lakas sa Gatas” Campaign, encouraging milk consumption among learners and the patronage of fresh milk from local dairy farmers. VP-Sec. Duterte expressed gratitude to partners, stakeholders, teachers, parents, and education champions for their contribution to making the program successful.

According to the SBFP Evaluation and Feedback Survey, 57 per cent of learners became enthusiastic and energetic after the program, 52 per cent experienced weight gain and 51 per cent strengthened their immune systems.