Manila: Senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need to bolster early-childhood nutrition and expand locally sourced feeding programs to address stunting among infants and young children.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a joint Senate hearing of the Committees on Basic Education, Agriculture, Public Works, Ways and Means, and Finance, the lawmakers highlighted that nutrition interventions must commence from pregnancy to age five, much earlier than current school-based feeding initiatives. Aquino called for amendments to Republic Act 11037, or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, to directly tackle the country's concerning stunting rate. He referenced findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which indicate that 26.7 percent of Filipino children under five are stunted.
Aquino explained that stunting affects children's physical health and learning capabilities, impacting memory, language development, attention, problem-solving skills, and long-term learning outcomes. He noted that government interventions are predominantly school-focused, where feeding days have been increased from 120 to 200. However, children lacking nutrition before age five already start school at a disadvantage.
Aquino also advocated for stronger integration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in early-childhood nutrition planning, pointing out that daycare-based feeding requires stable funding and close coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Agriculture (DA). He mentioned upcoming amendments to the EDCOM 2 law to formalize the DSWD's role, emphasizing that the responsibility lies not only with DepEd but also with DSWD.
Aquino stressed the importance of ensuring Filipino children grow up "nourished, healthy, and ready to learn," while urging agencies to prioritize children's programs over questionable expenditures. He warned against stealing opportunities and futures from the youth.
Pangilinan advocated for the proposed 'Libreng Pagkain' measure to ensure nutritious, fresh, and locally sourced food for all learners. He proposed that up to 50 percent of feeding program requirements in schools and daycare centers be sourced directly from farmers and fisherfolk, in line with the Sagip Saka Act, which exempts government purchases of local produce from public bidding.
Pangilinan warned that the weakest link in the supply chain remains the lack of farmer capacity. He stressed the importance of strengthening farmer cooperatives and extension services to sustain feeding programs nationwide. He expressed optimism that with DepEd, DSWD, and DA working together, healthy, nutritious food could be delivered to children while uplifting local farmers.
The committees will continue hearings to finalize amendments that strengthen early-childhood nutrition and ensure sustainable, locally sourced feeding programs for millions of Filipino children.
