A Philippine lawmaker on Wednesday reasserted the importance of the proposed free breakfast measure for children in daycare centers and public school students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, emphasizing that it is an investment in the youth’s future while supporting farmers’ livelihoods, as reported by BusinessWorld.
Senator Francis Pancratius “Kiko” N. Pangilinan, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, said the measure would not only improve nutrition and learning outcomes among young students but also create a stable market for local farmers by sourcing the breakfast ingredients from domestic agricultural producers. The bill aims to provide a nutritious meal to millions of children, boosting school attendance and reducing hunger.
The proposed legislation is seen as a multi-sectoral intervention that addresses both education and agricultural development. Pangilinan noted that the program’s design allows for the procurement of rice, vegetables, and other food items from local farmers, thereby strengthening the rural economy and ensuring fresher inputs for school meals.