The small town of Matuguinao in Samar province will continue to provide free breakfast to all secondary school students, while learners from remote communities will receive complimentary lunch under a program funded by the fifth-class municipality.

Mayor Aran Boller said in a phone interview Monday that nearly PHP1 million will be allocated for the program’s second year of implementation, underscoring the local government’s commitment to supporting education and improving student attendance.

“Since we launched the project last year, more students have been encouraged to attend classes regularly, even when there is limited food available at home,” Boller said.

The breakfast initiative dubbed “Edukain” — a blend of the words education and kain (to eat) – covers all students enrolled at Matuguinao National High School.

The local government typically serves arroz caldo, a porridge consisting of boiled chicken, glutinous rice, ginger, garlic and onions.

Students living in remote communities receive free lunches to reduce the hardship of traveling long distance, usually including rice, fish or meat, and vegetables.

“We buy vegetables directly from local residents, which has encouraged families to plant crops because they are assured of a steady market,” Boller said.

Matuguinao has a population of at least 7,000. It is located some 105 kilometers from Tacloban City, the regional capital.

Currently, the town is accessible 30 minutes from the main highway on Samar Island, a notable improvement from the past when residents endured a four-hour boat journey from the highway in Gandara town.

Improved accessibility was made possible by a road project funded under the “Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan” program. (PNA)