RIZAL, Laguna (PIA) — A whole-of-government approach to improving the nutrition and overall well-being of Filipino learners is being strengthened as the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expands the implementation of the Supplemental Feeding Program in Rizal, Laguna, on Wednesday, July 8.
The Department of Education (DepEd), through Early Childhood Care and Development Centers (ECDC), provides accessible and direct nutrition interventions, particularly for children during their formative years, from birth to eight years old.
The Supplemental Feeding Program is being implemented in line with the directive of President Marcos Jr. to ensure sustained support for the country’s most vulnerable sectors while promoting learners’ physical growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being.
DepEd Assistant Secretary for Learning System Janir Datukan, who led the inspection of the ECDC in Rizal, Laguna, said the program is being implemented in partnership with the Department of Budget and Management, which funded the construction of Child Development Centers, particularly in fourth- and fifth-class municipalities nationwide, a hub that will help monitor the growth and overall nutrition of children before they enter formal elementary education.
“Importante magkaroon tayo ng Child Development Centers para mas mabantayan natin ang mga bata bago sila pumasok sa formal school kasi nakakaligtaan natin na ang formative years ng mga bata ay hindi nagsisimula sa schools. Gusto natin paigtingin ‘yung programang iyon para ‘yung bata pag pinasok na natin sa formal school at tinanggap na ng DepEd ay ready sila,” Datukan said.
At present, 1.8 million learners are enrolled in 328 Child Development Centers nationwide managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units, which play a vital role in implementing the Supplemental Feeding Program.
For the municipal LGU of Rizal, the national government’s initiative further strengthens early childhood care and development and lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and human capital development.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga taga-DepEd, nagkaroon ng bagong proyekto dito sa aming bayan. Ito po ay ang ECDC. Yun po ay funded ng ating mahal na Pangulo sa ilalim ng Local Government Support Fund,” Rizal, Laguna Mayor Vener Muñoz said.
Teachers and parents in the Laguna town likewise expressed positive feedback on the ECDCs and the Supplemental Feeding Program.
“Sa pamamagitan po nito ay nasusuportahan po ang mga bata para sa kanilang early stage development,” said Vilma Mauhay, an early childhood center teacher.
Meanwhile, parent Mary Grace Belen said, “Alam po namin na ito ay nagsisilbing katuwang sa aming mga magulang para tuloy-tuloy ang pagbibigay ng nutrisyon para sa aming mga anak,”
The provincial government of Laguna likewise expressed its support for the multi-sectoral effort to promote children’s health and nutrition.
“The initiative also serves as a platform to promote nutrition education among parents, guardians, and child development workers. The implementation of the program reflects the shared commitment of the national government, the Provincial Government of Laguna, and the Municipality of Rizal to advancing child welfare and ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a healthy environment,” the Laguna Public Information Office said in a statement.
Beyond the Supplemental Feeding Program in the ECDCs, Mayor Muñoz emphasized the municipality’s commitment to expanding nutrition initiatives in local schools to combat malnutrition.
“Isa sa mga pangunahing inisyatibong aming ipatutupad ay ang pagtatatag ng isang Mobile Kitchen na magsisilbing katuwang sa pagsasagawa ng feeding program. Gagamitin ito upang makapaglibot sa bawat barangay at paaralan, nang sa gayon ay mas maraming batang nangangailangan ang mabigyan ng masustansiyang pagkain at makatanggap ng sapat na nutrisyon,” the local chief executive added in a separate interview with the Philippine Information Agency.
The municipality of Rizal now has four newly constructed and operational ECCD buildings, with one additional facility currently under construction. This reflects the national government’s continued partnership with the LGU in providing safe, nurturing, and child-friendly learning environments for every learner. (CH/PIA-Laguna; with reports from DepEd)
