EXPANDED SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAM BILL CLEARS HOUSE SECOND READING

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill expanding the government’s school-based feeding program to cover all public school learners from Kindergarten to Grade 3, as well as undernourished students from Grades 4 to 12.

House Bill No. 9466, which seeks to amend the “Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act,” was passed through voice voting and also extends coverage to vulnerable groups such as pregnant learners, children with disabilities, indigenous students, and other at-risk sectors.

The measure likewise increases feeding days from 120 to 200 per year and aims to strengthen a broader nutrition-focused framework addressing child development and food security.

Lawmakers backing the bill stressed that hunger and malnutrition remain major barriers to learning, while also noting concerns about the Department of Education’s capacity to implement a nationwide expansion covering about 26 million students.

The DepEd acknowledged funding support but admitted limitations in absorptive capacity, prompting suggestions for a more targeted rollout and greater involvement of local government units.

Source: PhilNews24 | May 28, 2026