DepEd Cabadbaran fights student malnutrition through school-based feeding program
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Malnutrition remains a pressing concern among Filipino children, particularly in food-poor communities. To address this, the Department of Education (DepEd) has consistently implemented the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) nationwide, aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive.
In Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, the program has become a cornerstone intervention to ensure learners receive proper nutrition essential for their physical, mental, and psychological well-being.
This year, the SBFP reached 3,840 beneficiaries across the schools division, covering all Kindergarten and Grade 1 pupils, as well as “wasted” learners from Grades 2 to 6. The program’s focus on those most vulnerable underscores its mission: to provide nutritional intervention where it is needed most.
Every day, teachers and school personnel prepare hot meals for the children. The aroma of freshly cooked food fills classrooms and feeding areas, signaling not only nourishment but care. Each meal is designed to be balanced and healthy, tailored to meet the nutritional needs of growing learners. But the program goes beyond food—it teaches habits. Teachers guide students on proper handwashing before meals, protecting them from contaminants, and teaching them the importance of nutrition. Parents, too, are encouraged to adopt healthier diets, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the school gates.
For Schools Division Superintendent Imelda N. Sabornido, the shift from pre-packed food products to hot meals marks a turning point. “This meaningful shift aims to ensure that learners receive meals that are not only nutritious but also freshly prepared, balanced, and responsive to their daily needs. It likewise supports improved school participation and promotes healthy eating behaviors among learners,” she explained.
At Comagascas Integrated School, Principal Jiecyll S. Butal has seen firsthand the difference the program makes. “Good nutrition fuels the brain. Children who eat healthy foods can focus better, become more active, and be healthier. While it may not solve malnutrition completely, it makes a big difference in reducing hunger and improving students’ learning,” she shared.
Parents echo these sentiments. Daisy Contillo, mother of a Grade 1 student, said the SBFP has helped her child embrace healthier eating habits. “The SBFP has been a big help for us parents in convincing our children to eat healthy foods, especially vegetables and fruits. The schools make sure that the students eat a balanced meal based on their nutritional needs,” she noted.
The program’s impact is evident not only in improved health but also in better school attendance and participation. Children who once struggled with hunger now come to class energized, ready to learn. Families who once worried about providing nutritious meals now find relief in the support their schools offer.
DepEd’s SBFP portrays how education and nutrition intersect. By addressing malnutrition, the Department is not only feeding bodies but also fueling minds, laying the foundation for healthier, more engaged learners. It is a testament to the power of collaboration—among teachers, parents, and the community—in ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against hunger. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from the Schools Division Office of Cabadbaran City)
