Angara wants surplus vegetables used in feeding program

MANILA, Philippines — Amid reports of farm produce dumping due to oversupply, Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd is exploring ways to use surplus fresh vegetables in school feeding programs.

Angara made the statement after truckloads of carrots and cabbage were reportedly dumped by the roadside in Tublay, Benguet, with farmers blaming an oversupply of vegetables and a lack of buyers.

“We want to help our farmers while ensuring that there are nutritious and hot meals in schools for our learners,” Angara said.

With the expanded school-based feeding program now reaching 4.6 million beneficiaries, including Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners, Angara said DepEd is looking at ways to channel surplus vegetables to schools, subject to food safety needs.

He also encouraged companies and organizations to support the initiative through the Adopt-a-School Program by purchasing vegetables directly from farmers and donating agricultural produce to schools for the feeding program.

Angara said qualified private partners can avail themselves of the 150 percent tax deduction provided under the Adopt-a-School Act.