Davao City (DSWD XI) – A total of Php 63,150,600.00 was recently turned over by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to Davao City government for the 8^th cycle implementation of Supplementary Feeding Program which targets to benefit 34,963 preschoolers in 695 child development centers (CDC).

“Our Supplementary Feeding Program has been implemented with the City Government of Davao for a number of years now and since then we have already served some 82,738 enrollees,” Director Mercedita P. Jabagat said.

Director Jabagat said the amount is 56.14% higher than the previous downloads as this now includes funds for the procurement of rice and due to increase in number of beneficiaries. We appreciate the city’s improved implementation schedule and timely liquidation of transferred funds, Director Jabagat said.

According to Senior Dietary Nutritionist of DSWD Helena M. Calatrava, the 91.50% rehabilitation mark for severe and underweight is remarkably higher compared to previous years. This can be attributed best to the reduction of feeding gaps of beneficiary-preschoolers, Calatrava said.

Director Jabagat said the feeding program was backed by the City Social Services and Development Office – Supplementary Feeding Program Team, City Government Financial Division, Parent Committees, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Barangay Health Workers, and other barangay officials. (DSWD)