In pursuit of providing nutritional assistance to school children amidst COVID-19 pandemic, the Schools Division of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur (ZamboSur) continued their School-based Feeding Program (SBFP) for school children last May 17, 2021. The feeding program was led by the Department of Education (DepEd), targeting pupils identified to be wasted enrolled in kindergarten, and in Grade 1 to Grade 6. However, as the country keeps up its efforts battling with the COVID-19 pandemic, DepEd decided to extend their program beneficiaries which already includes children who belong to 4Ps and IPs families and drop-out students. The distribution of the food commodity to each beneficiary was simultaneous with the distribution of the modules as minors are not allowed to get out in public and claim their weekly ration in adherence to the minimum health protocols. Fresh milk was also given to each beneficiary.
In the country, DepEd served approximately 3.5 million learner-beneficiaries for its SBFP for School Year 2020-2021. Complying with Republic Act No. 11037 otherwise known as the “Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act”, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on June 18, 2020, which was later augmented in the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, SBFP sustains its objectives to (1) address hunger and encourage learners to enroll; (2) contribute to the improvement of their nutritional status; (3) provide nourishment for their growth and development and help boost their immune system, and (4) enhance health and nutrition values and behaviour.
According to Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, they have been continuing their school-based feeding program with the help of partner agencies, despite school closures due to the pandemic. [In areas with very strict protocols], the food and milk packs have been distributed directly into the homes of the learners while in some areas, parents or guardians of the learners are also allowed to claim the weekly food pack rations along with the learning modules.
Furthermore, Secretary Briones added that nurturing healthy learners has been one of their priorities in the Department ever since. The current health situation is certainly a big challenge, but they will continue to collaborate with the local government units in the distribution of the food and milk packs directly to the homes of the learners. DepEd is in partnership with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), the National Dairy Authority (NDA), other various farmer cooperatives and small/ medium enterprises engaged in the dairy business for the milk component.
In the Province of Zamboanga del Sur, SBFP covers all twenty-seven (27) local government units while catering to at least thirty-three (33) elementary schools. The Department of Education hopes that this continued feeding program will be successful with its tug-of-war intervention to prevent exacerbation of the negative impact of COVID-19 on nutrition and learning potentials of school children.
PNC-ZDS Marie Claire A. Gaas
References:
1. DepEd’s School-Based Feeding Program records 3.5 million student beneficiaries for SY. 2020-2021
- Ms. Blaise Nicasio (School Nurse of Margosatubig, ZDS)
- Ms. Dorelyn Amigable (Milk feeding program coordinator, Province of Zamboanga del Sur)