Matuguinao: 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, since the project was launched last year, there has been an increase in regular class attendance among students, even for those with limited food availability at home. 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.

For students living in remote communities, free lunches are provided to ease the burden of traveling long distances. These meals usually include rice, fish or meat, and vegetables. Mayor Boller highlighted that vegetables are purchased directly from local residents, which has encouraged families to plant crops due to the assurance of a steady market.

Matuguinao has a population of at least 7,000 and is located approximately 105 kilometers from Tacloban City, the regional capital. The town is now accessible within 30 minutes from the main highway on Samar Island, a significant improvement from the past when residents had to endure a four-hour boat journey from the highway in Gandara town. This improved accessibility was made possible by a road project funded under the 'Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan' program.