School-based feeding begins in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has high hopes that malnutrition among young learners will be addressed with the launching of the national school-based feeding program.

The Department of Education (DepEd)-7, through its Education Support Services Division, in partnership with the Schools Division Office of Cebu City, successfully conducted the National Kick-Off of the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) and Milk Feeding Activity for School Year 2026–2027 at Lahug Elementary School.

The launching, according to Archival, is adoption of  the country’ feeding program to which he added, he supports of.

“Sa ako ng gisulti, tibuok Pilipinas ni, unya ang atong syudad ang napilian,” Archival told reporters.

Archival emphasized the urgency of intervention, noting that out of more than 5,000 pupils in Lahug itself, 1,900 are identified as malnourished.

“Akong gitan-aw, ato ning suportahan until ang ato gyung mga bata na malnourish maulian… ang mga malnourish nga mga bata dili kayo sila makahimo sa mga unsay himuonon sa eskwelahan ug hinay ilang mag huna-huna,” he added.

The activity highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting healthy eating habits and ensuring that every child is better equipped to learn, grow, and succeed in school.

It reinforced the commitment of DepEd and its partners to strengthen school feeding initiatives and learner well-being.

Aside from Archival, also present during the launching were Assistant Regional Director Atty. Fiel Y. Almendra, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Nimfa D. Bongo, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lyra Illaga, and Lahug Elementary School Principal Dr. Madelin Tinapay, alongside other government officials, education leaders, and stakeholders united in support of the program.

Archival linked the program to his Gulayan sa Paaralan advocacy, saying, “Kinahanglan tag nay mga garden… in fact nay gihimo natong contest sa tanang mga eskwelahan sa gulayan… unsay ma produce sa mga bata, teachers, mga mama, PTA, atong gamiton dinhi sa atong kitchen.”

He announced that the city government will help schools without kitchens build one, and assist those with existing facilities in upgrading their structures and equipment.

“Atong pagaabagan sa structure and ilang gamit,” he said, pointing to Lahug Elementary as a model site with existing facilities and staff.

By combining fortified meals, milk feeding, and school gardening, Cebu City’s initiative aligns with DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2026 and the National Nutrition Council’s nutrition-sensitive strategies. — /IHM (FREEMAN)