A Philippine lawmaker has emphasized the importance of providing free breakfast to children in daycare centers and public schools, citing it as a crucial investment in the country's future and a means to support farmers' livelihoods.
Nutrition is not just a matter of health, but also has implications for education, livelihood, agriculture, and the country's overall development, according to the lawmaker. The cycle of poverty is more likely to affect children who are hungry and families lacking access to nutrition, making it essential to provide adequate, safe, and nutritious food to the population.
The proposed Free Breakfast Program and Sustainable Agriculture Act aims to address child hunger by providing free daily nutritious breakfast meals to all learners in government daycare centers and public schools from kindergarten to Grade 12. The program also seeks to support the agricultural sector by requiring that at least 50% of the food used be sourced directly from local farmers and fisherfolk.
The measure is seen as an investment in the health, education, and future of the youth, as well as a means to boost the livelihoods of food producers who feed the country. Hunger and malnutrition remain significant concerns, with the stunting rate among Filipino children aged below five reaching 25.3%, indicating long-term nutritional deprivation.
The proposed legislation has been formally substituted by a Senate bill and is now moving forward for Senate floor deliberation. If passed, the measure could have a significant impact on the country's efforts to address hunger and support the agricultural sector, ultimately contributing to the nation's overall development and growth.
