Gatchalian pushes school meals for Kinder, Grade 1 learners

Senator Win Gatchalian is proposing to expand the Department of Education’s School-Based Feeding Program to cover all Kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils.

His office estimates around P16 billion is needed to fund a 200-day feeding program for about three million children. 

As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Gatchalian stressed the importance of proper nutrition during a child’s formative years.

To maintain quality, the senator suggested different feeding models depending on LGU size, including central kitchens for smaller towns. 

He also urged local governments to take a bigger role in nutrition programs, in line with the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act (RA 12199).

“Kaya ba nating pakainin ang tatlong milyong bata araw-araw ng kalidad na pagkain? Ito yung hamon sa atin. And this what we want to learn from the DepEd because we can work on the budget, but can they spend it?” said Gatchalian.IMT