BAM AQUINO-SPONSORED ‘LIBRENG PAGKAIN SA PAARALAN’ HURDLES BICAM, INCHES CLOSER TO BECOMING LAW

THE proposed measure providing free and nutritious meals to Kindergarten to Grade 3 students in public schools moved closer to becoming law following its approval by the bicameral conference committee, according to its principal sponsor, Senator Bam Aquino. 

Aquino, who led the Senate contingent as chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education, called the final version of the National Children’s Nutrition Program Act, or Libreng Pagkain sa Paaralan, a significant step toward addressing malnutrition and the education crisis in the country. 

Once ratified by both the Senate and House of Representatives, the measure will be transmitted to Malacañang for the President’s approval.

“Itinuturing itong pinakamahalagang panukala na maipapasa natin ukol sa edukasyon. Malaking hakbang ito sa pagtugon sa malnutrition at krisis sa edukasyon. Mas madaling matuto ang ating mga anak kapag may laman ang kanilang mga sikmura at nabibigyan ng tamang nutrisyon habang nag-aaral,” Aquino said. 

If enacted into law, all students from Kindergarten to Grade 3 in public schools will receive free and nutritious meals. The program will also cover nutritionally deficient students from Grades 4 to 6. 

Aquino said the consolidated version extends the school feeding program from 120f to throughout the academic year, ensuring that more children will have access to nutritious meals throughout the academic year. 

According to Aquino, the program will not only benefit students but also provide much-needed relief to parents who struggle daily to meet their children’s educational needs while putting food on the table. 

“Malaking ginhawa rin ito para sa mga magulang na araw-araw na nagsisikap para mapag-aaral ang kanilang mga anak at may maihaing pagkain sa mesa. Malaking kabawasan sa kanilang alalahanin at gastusin kapag may libre at masustansyang pagkain ang mga bata sa paaralan,” he pointed out. 

The senator also highlighted the measure’s life-stage approach to nutrition, which provides support from pregnancy and the first years of a child’s life through their school years to ensure continuous nutritional assistance at every stage of development. 

Aquino thanked his colleagues in the bicameral conference committee from the Senate and House of Representatives, particularly Reps. Roman Romulo, Jaime Fresnedi, and Kenneth Gatchalian, as well as the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), led by Executive Director Karol Yee, for helping push the measure forward. 

“Hindi natin lubos na matutugunan ang krisis sa edukasyon kung hindi rin natin tutugunan ang problema sa nutrisyon. Tiyakin natin na ang  ating mga anak ay busog, malusog, at handang matuto,” he said.