MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan underscored that the proposed Libreng Almusal Bill will not only address hunger in schools but also provide direct livelihood support to farmers and fisherfolk.

Speaking at a Senate hearing on school-based feeding programs, Pangilinan said at least 20 to 30 percent of the Department of Education’s P11.78-billion feeding program budget could be used to purchase fresh produce directly from local agricultural producers under the Sagip Saka Act.

“Tatlo ang nabanggit ni Senator Bam na layunin—addressing stunting, ma-engganyo pumasok ang bata, learning capacity. Ang pang-apat: kumita ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda… malaking bagay. Hindi lang sila dagdag kita, masustansya pa ang mabibili at maipapakain sa ating mga anak at sariwa ang kanilang magiging pagkain,” Pangilinan said.

The senator emphasized that the initiative will create a predictable demand for farm and fishery products while ensuring students receive healthy meals.

He added that funds for the program could be augmented by reallocating portions of the budget from flood control projects, which he said are prone to misuse.