The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga Region (DSWD-13) has rolled out its Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) for school year 2026-2027, with the first batch of hot meal supplies distributed across 73 local government units (LGUs).

The SFP has a total budget of PHP327.9 million this year, delivering hot meals for 180 feeding days at PHP25 per child per day, providing nutrition support for 72,881 learners in Child Development Centers and supervised neighborhood play.

“With inventory checks and LGU coordination underway, the program aims to ensure the government’s push to combat malnutrition and boost school participation among Caraga’s young learners,” DSWD-13 said in a statement Tuesday.

The agency said it is committed to ensuring smooth implementation through effective collaboration with stakeholders in delivering quality services to children and their families.

Rosario Tablon, SFP focal person in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, welcomed the start of the feeding program, underscoring the importance of organizing for smooth delivery of hot meal supplies.

“This program provides additional nourishment, especially for children from disadvantaged households. It serves as a valuable support in school, helping them stay well-nourished, improve their learning, and maintain their energy during classes and school activities,” Tablon said.

The SFP is one of the agency’s key interventions to improve children’s nutritional status and support their healthy growth and development.

“With the provision of nutritious meals, the program seeks to address malnutrition and promote better health outcomes among young learners while supporting their overall development and school participation,” she added. (PNA)