SCHOOL-BASED FEEDING PROGRAM. DSWD Assistant Director Ma. Vilia L. Vigil [3^rd from left] and DSWD Protective Services Unit Head Rebecca A. Santamaria [4^th from left] turnover to Department of Education (DepEd) regional officials led by Director Nenita E. Lumaad [2^nd from left] the P 36.6 million check that will fund the School Based Feeding Program. Also in photo are DepEd officers [from left] Dr. Mariblanca Piatos, Dr. Lorna Mapinogos, Dr. Luzminda Onor and Dr. Reynante Solitario.

For the feeding of some 18,349 severely wasted and wasted children from Kinder to Grade Six, the DSWD sustainable livelihood associations will be tapped to provide commodities to schools for the preparation of hot meals.

Using indigenous foods or locally-processed foods, feeding shall be within six months or 120 days in the 10 DepEd divisions in the region.

The program aims to 1) provide augmentation support in the feeding program for children; 2) improve knowledge, attitude and practices of children and parents through intensified nutrition and health education; and 3) improve the nutritional status of all the target children.

Currently, orientation on the program and its implementing guidelines is being conducted in DepEd regional and division offices. For the smooth implementation of the program, quarterly consultation-dialogues shall be held between DSWD, DepEd, local government units, NGOs and other groups involved. (DSWD)