MANILA — Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has called on government agencies, local government units, and the private sector to support the implementation of Republic Act No. 11037, which seeks to institutionalize an expanded national feeding program for school-age children.

Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11037, also known as the Masustansyang Pagkain Para Sa Batang Pilipino Act.

In his sponsorship speech, Pangilinan said the measure aims to improve the nutrition and overall well-being of Filipino children.

“Ang layunin natin ay hindi lang bigyan ng makakain ang mga batang Pilipino. Ang layunin natin ay bigyan sila ng masustansiyang pagkain na magpapalakas sa kanilang katawan, magpapatalas sa kanilang isip, at magtataas sa antas ng kanilang pagkatuto,” a copy of his sponsorship speech stated.

“Kaya naman, hinihimok ko ang aking mga kasamahan dito sa Senado na suportahan natin ang panukalang batas. Hinihimok ko rin ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan, mga local government units, at ang private sector na makibahagi sa pagsusulong ng nutrisyon at kalusugan ng kabataang Pilipino,” he added.

During his manifestation at the Senate special session on June 17, Pangilinan said the proposal seeks to address four major concerns: poverty, health, education, and agriculture and fisheries.

The measure consolidates 11 Senate bills, including Senate Bill No. 219 or the Libreng Almusal Bill authored by Pangilinan.

Under the proposal, the existing school-based feeding program will be expanded from 120 days to 200 days. The program carries a proposed budget of P25.7 billion and aims to combat stunting, limited access to nutritious meals, and absenteeism among students.

Pangilinan also highlighted the inclusion of provisions from the Sagip Saka Act, a law enacted in 2019 that allows national government agencies and local government units to procure food directly from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk’s cooperatives.

The proposed measure requires that at least 50 percent of the food needed for the feeding program be sourced directly from farmers and fisherfolk.

“Sa ganitong paraan, hindi lang mga bata ang ating binubusog — pinapalakas din natin ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda na siyang nagpapakain sa bansa,” the senator said.