National Nutrition Program

CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES TWENTIETH CONGRESS First Regular Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H. No. 9466 BY REPRESENTATIVES DY (F.), MARCOS, ROMULO, POE, SUANSING (B.V.), SUANSING (M.A.), GARIN, GONZALES (R.), ATAYDE, PRIMICIAS-AGABAS, LAZATIN, ROMUALDEZ, (F.M.), ROMUALDEZ (Y.M.), ROMUALDEZ (A.J.), CRUZ (A.), FRESNEDI, VILLANUEVA, AGARAO, MERCADO-REVILIA, REVILLA (B.), REVILLA (R.J.), VARGAS, OLIVAREZ, YAP (ERIC), LACSON, ARBISON (M. JR.), SINGSON-MEEHAN, ZUBIRI, SALCEDA, YAMSUAN, MASTURA, REGENCIA, CENDAÑA, DIOKNO, ISMULA, BAG-AO, YATCO, GATCHALIAN, ROQUE, CORVERA, PLEYTO, SAGARBARRIA, LORIA, ALANO, VELOSO-TUAZON, VERGARA, LAGBAS, RODRIGUEZ (E.), DE LIMA, ESCUDERO, TEVES, GARCIA (A.), FUENTEBELIA, TAN (K.M.), LAGDAMEO (M.Y.M.), MOMO, ALVAREZ (J.), RODRIGUEZ (R.), TAN (J.), AMANTE, GONZALES (A.), ARROGANCIA, ESPINA, GARCIA (D.), LOPEZ, AQUINO-MAGSAYSAY, BAUTISTA-LIM, CALDERON, CAYTON, CRUZ (R.), DALOG, ESPARES, ORETA, VALERIANO, ROMAN, LEGACION, SAN FERNANDO, CHAN (J.F.N.J.), COJUANGCO (M.), GALANG, MARQUEZ, VILLARICA, YAP (EDVIC), DIMACUHA, RECTO, GUINTU, RIVERA, ANGELES, BELTRAN, CAGAS, EMANO, BULUT-BEGTANG, CHUA-TAI, LAGMAN, VARGAS-ALFONSO, MACASAET, RODRIGUEZ. (M.), TY, LEGAZPI, ALBANO, ALVAREZ (M.), SALVACION, DAZA, ORDANES, MANIQUIZ, MARAÑON, SINGSON (R.), HOFER-HASIM, HERNANDEZ (D.), DIMAPORO (S.A.), JAVIER, MATUGAS, KHONGHUN, SHIMURA, CARI, KHO (W.), BERNOS (C.), VIOLAGO, YAP (A.), BONDOC, ARBISON (M.), LUMAYAG, ERICE, SUNTAY, HERNANDEZ (R.), GATO, KO, LOYOLA, TINIO, ADVINCULA, KHO (E.), DE VENECIA, HORIBATA, TAN (R.M.), TAN (S.J.), ABALOS, SANTOS (M.A.S.), VELOSO, DEGAMO, PUNO, ROMUALDO, DOMOGAN, SAKALURAN, ZAMORA (Y.M.), ARENAS, BENITEZ (A.) AND BAÑAS-NOGRALES AN ACT CONVERTING THE NATIONAL FEEDING PROGRAM INTO A NATIONAL NUTRITION PROGRAM BY EXPANDING ITS SCOPE AND COVERAGE AND ENHANCING ITS SUPPORT MECHANISMS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11037, OR THE "MASUSTANSYANG PAGKAIN PARA SA BATANG PILIPINO ACT"

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Sections 3 to 5 of Republic Act No. 11037 are hereby amended as

follows: "SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall be understood to mean as follows, to wit: "(a) Cycle Menu refers to standardized menus prepared by the national government agencies (NGAS), AND APPROVED BY DESIGNATED REGISTERED NUTRITIONISTS-DIETITIANS, in coordination with the National Nutrition Council (NNC), [and the] DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUS) FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS, which shall be contextualized and drawn up, among others, according to age range, location and/or type of school, and local cultural and/or religious eating preferences: Provided, That such menus shall have as many varieties and selections as may be necessary taking into account its availability in the place or locality where the [day care] CHILD DEVELOPMENT center or school is located; "(b) Fortified Mea/x x x; "(C) FRESH MILK REFERS TO A MILK PRODUCT PRODUCED BY LOCAL DAIRY FARMS FOR DIRECT HUMAN CONSUMPTION. FRESH MILK IS FURTHER DESCRIBED AS A MILK PRODUCT FROM NORMAL MAMMARY SECRETION OF HEALTHY MAMMALS SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COWS, GOATS, BUFFALOES, AND CARABAOS, WITHOUT EITHER ADDITION TO IT OR EXTRACTION FROM IT. IT IS SUBJECTED TO MINIMUM PASTEURIZATION CONDITIONS OF 72°C FOR 15 SECONDS (CONTINUOUS FLOW PASTEURIZATION) OR 63°C FOR 30 MINUTES (BATCH PASTEURIZATION), HAS NOT BEEN SUBJECTED TO HIGHER TEMPERATURE, AND HAS A SHELF LIFE OF NOT MORE THAN TEN (10) DAYS WHEN REGISTERED; "[c] [D] Health Examination x x x;

"(E) MILK-BASED SUBSTITUTE REFERS TO A PRODUCT THAT HAS UNDERGONE PROCESSING TO EXTEND SHELF LIFE, WHILE RETAINING THE ESSENTIAL NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF MILK. THESE INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, STERILIZED MILK AND POWDERED MILK; "[d] (F) National Government Agencies (NGAs) refer to the [Department of Education] [DepED] and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which shall be the lead agencies in the implementation of the Program for public kindergarten and elementary schools and public [day care] CHILD DEVELOPMENT centers, respectively; [and] "[e] (G) Undernourished Child refers to a child who has been supplied with less than the minimum amount of [foods] FOOD essentialS for sound health and growth. For purposes of this Act, it shall include children who are suffering from chronic hunger and malnutrition as well as those who are considered as wasted, severely wasted, or stunted under the World Health Organization Child Growth Standards[-]; AND "H. DIRECT FUND COST REFERS TO INGREDIENTS RELATED TO PROVISION OF NUTRITION MEALS, EXCLUDING MAINTENANCE AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES, TRAINING, UTENSILS, AND COOKING EQUIPMENT." "SEC. 4. National [Feeding] NUTRITION Program. - The National [Feeding] NUTRITION Program, hereinafter referred to as the Program, is hereby established to address undernutrition among Filipino children. "The Program shall have the following components and coverage: "(a) Supplemental Feeding Program for [Day Care Children] EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE. - The DSWD, in coordination with the LGUs concerned, shall implement a supplemental feeding program for undernourished children [with ages three (3) to] UNDER five (5) years OF AGE. The Program shall be administered in [day care] CHILD DEVELOPMENT centers or in any other facility which can be used for such purpose: Provided, That the Program shall include the provision of at least one (1) fortified meal for a period of not less than [one] TWO hundred [twenty (120)] (200) days in a year. "THE AFOREMENTIONED MEALS SHALL BE ADEQUATELY FUNDED TO ENSURE THAT THE CHILDREN RECEIVE THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF NUTRITION, WITH ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS BASED ON NNC AND DOST-FNRI NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND INFLATION: PROVIDED, THAT

FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR THIS PROGRAM SHALL BE SPENT ON DIRECT FUND COST, WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO PRODUCE OF LOCAL FARMERS: Provided, further, That in the preparation of fortified meals, the DSWD shall work in collaboration with recognized parents' organizations[;], AS WELL AS THE PARENTS AND PARENT SUBSTITUTES OF THE BENEFICIARIES OF THE PROGRAM, WHENEVER PRACTICABLE. "THE DSWD, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE NNC AND THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT (ECCD) COUNCIL, SHALL STRENGTHEN THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND THE HEALTH AND NUTRITION COMPONENTS OF THE PARENT EFFECTIVENESS SERVICE PROGRAM, ESPECIALLY FOR THE FAMILIES OF THE TARGET BENEFICIARIES. IT SHALL LIKEWISE COLLABORATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) AND THE LGUS IN PROVIDING HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES TO UNDERNOURISHED CHILDREN BELOW TWO (2) YEARS OF AGE. THE ECCD COUNCIL SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN ENSURING DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE INTERVENTIONS ARE INTEGRATED WITH NUTRITION SERVICES; "(b) School-Based Feeding Program. - The DepED shall implement a school-based feeding program for [undernourished] ALL public school [children] LEARNERS from kindergarten to grade [six (6)] THREE (3) AND UNDERNOURISHED LEARNERS FROM GRADES FOUR (4) TO TWELVE (12): Provided, That the Program shall include the provision of at least one (1) fortified meal to [all undernourished] THE COVERED public [elementary,] school [children] LEARNERS for a period [of not less than one hundred twenty (120) days in a year], OF 200 DAYS: PROVIDED, THAT, FOR THE PERIOD NOT COVERED BY THE SCHOOL CALENDAR AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPED, THE SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICES SHALL COORDINATE WITH THE RESPECTIVE LGUS FOR THE CONTINUOUS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM. "THE AFOREMENTIONED MEALS SHALL BE ADEQUATELY FUNDED TO ENSURE THAT THE LEARNERS RECEIVE THE APPROPRIATE AMOUNT OF NUTRITION, WITH ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS BASED ON NNC AND DOST-ENRI NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND INFLATION: PROVIDED, THAT FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR THIS PROGRAM SHALL BE SPENT ON DIRECT FUND COST, WITH PRIORITY GIVEN TO PRODUCE OF LOCAL FARMERS: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT IN THE PREPARATION OF FORTIFIED MEALS, THE DEPED SHALL WORK IN COLLABORATION WITH CONCERNED BARANGAYS, AS WELL AS THE PARENTS AND PARENT-SUBSTITUTES OF

THE BENEFICIARIES OF THE PROGRAM, WHENEVER PRACTICABLE: PROVIDED, FINALLY, THAT CURRENTLY ENROLLED NUTRITIONALLY-AT- RISK PREGNANT LEARNERS IN BASIC EDUCATION SYSTEM, CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, AND OTHER MARGINALIZED OR VULNERABLE GROUPS, INCLUDING INDIGENOUS LEARNERS AS DEFINED UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11510, AS WELL AS LEARNERS PARTICIPATING IN REMEDIAL INTERVENTION AND SUPPLEMENTARY LEARNING PROGRAMS, SHALL LIKEWISE BE BENEFICIARIES OF THE PROGRAM; "(c) Milk Feeding Program. - The GOVERNMENT'S MILK FEEDING PROGRAM [NGAs] shall BE LED BY [coordinate with] the Department of Agriculture (DA), THROUGH the National Dairy Authority, IN CONSULTATION WITH the Philippine Carabao Center, and [the Cooperative Development Authority, ] IN COORDINATION WITH THE DEPED AND THE DSWD. IT SHALL INCORPORATE, [for the incorporation of] fresh milk, [and] fresh milk-based food products, OR MILK-BASED SUBSTITUTES in the [fortified meals and] cycle menu OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING PROGRAM OF THE DSWD AND THE SCHOOL-BASED FEEDING OF THE DEPED in accordance with Republic Act No. 8976, otherwise known as the "Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000L]", FOR A PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) DAYS A YEAR, SUBJECT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 51 OR "THE NATIONAL CODE OF MARKETING OF BREASTMILK SUBSTITUTES, BREASTMILK SUPPLEMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PRODUCTS". [utilizing as far as practicable, locally produced milk in order to enhance its nutritional content and, at the same time, help boost livelihood opportunities for local dairy farmers and the local dairy industry;} "TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE SUPPLY MANAGEMENT OF THE MILK FEEDING PROGRAM, THE DA, THROUGH THE NDA, AND IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PCC, SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUPPLY MAPPING, PROCUREMENT, DELIVERY TO DESIGNATED DROP-OFF POINTS, SUPPLY MONITORING, AND PAYMENT OF THE MILK SUPPLY. "IN PROCURING MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS FOR THE PROGRAM, LOCALLY PRODUCED FRESH MILK AND FRESH-MILK BASED PRODUCTS SHALL BE USED. FURTHER, PRIORITY SHALL BE GIVEN TO LOCAL DAIRY AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES ELIGIBLE UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11321, OR THE "SAGIP SAKA ACT". "IN CASES WHERE LOCAL FRESH MILK SUPPLY IS INSUFFICIENT, THE USE OF POWDERED MILK OR OTHER SUITABLE MILK SUBSTITUTES SHALL

BE ALLOWED, PARTICULARLY IN REMOTE AREAS, AS JOINTLY DETERMINED BY THE DA THROUGH THE NDA, PCC, DEPED, THE DSWD, THE NDA, AND THE PCC. THE IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES SHALL LIKEWISE ADOPT MEASURES THAT PROMOTE THE GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE LOCAL DAIRY INDUSTRY AND SUPPORT THE LIVELIHOOD OF FILIPINO DAIRY PRODUCERS. "TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE PROGRAM DELIVERY AND ACTUAL IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF, THE DSWD AND DEPED SHALL CONTINUE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RECEIVING AND INSPECTION OF THE MILK SUPPLY FROM THE LOCAL MILK SUPPLIER, COLD STORAGE, DROP-OFF POINT-TO-FEEDING SITE TRANSPORTATION, AND ACTUAL FEEDING AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAM TO THEIR RESPECTIVE BENEFICIARIES. "PROGRAM SUPPORT FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE MILK FEEDING PROGRAM ACTIVITIES SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS OF THE NDA. FURTHERMORE, PROGRAM SUPPORT FUNDS SHALL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS OF THE DSWD AND DEPED FOR PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICES." "(d) Micronutrient [Supplements] SUPPLEMENTATION PROGRAM. -The [NGAS] DOH, in coordination with THE DSWD AND DEPED, shall provide AGE- APPROPRIATE AND NEEDS-BASED micronutrient supplements to the Program beneficiaries, AND IMPLEMENT [including] the use of iodized salt in accordance with Republic Act No. 8172, otherwise known as the "Salt Iodization or ASIN" law[;]: PROVIDED, THAT, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, THE DEPED SHALL ADMINISTER WEEKLY IRON AND FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION TO FEMALE LEARNERS, INCLUDING FEMALE LEARNERS IN THE ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM, PRIORITIZING AREAS WITH HIGH PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA: PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT THE NNC AND DOST-FNRI SHALL COORDINATE CLOSELY WITH THE DEPED IN IDENTIFYING SUCH AREAS FOR EFFECTIVE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION; "(e) Health Examination, Vaccination, and Deworming. - xxx; "(f) Gulayan sa Paaralan. - xxx; "(g) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). - xxx; [and]

"(h) Integrated Nutrition Education, Behavioral Transformation, and Social Mobilization. - The Program shall be complemented by a public health, nutrition, and values transformation campaign to promote a holistic and integrated approach to health and nutrition education. Orientation-training on the objectives and mechanics of the Program shall be held among personnel of NGAs and LGUs concerned, [parent volunteers] PARENTS, OR PARENT-SUBSTITUTES, OF THE BENEFICIARES, and the parent-teachers associations (PTAs) to generate support for the Program. The NGAS concerned shall also endeavor to mobilize community organizations to continue nutrition education outside of the school. THE NGAS AND LGUS CONCERNED SHALL REGULARLY PROVIDE THE PARENTS, OR PARENT- SUBSTITUTES, OF PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES WITH TAILORED HEALTH AND NUTRITION EDUCATION WORKSHOPS. PARENTS, OR PARENT- SUBSTITUTES, OF PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES SHALL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND SUCH WORKSHOPS AS DETERMINED BY THE CONCERNED AUTHORITYL-J; AND "(I) CENTRAL KITCHEN IN EVERY SCHOOLS DIVISION. - SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICES MAY ESTABLISH CENTRAL KITCHENS AS MAY BE NECESSARY, WHICH SHALL BE USED TO PREPARE AND FACILITATE DISTRIBUTION OF FORTIFIED MEALS TO BENEFICIARIES WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTION. "TO ENSURE THE EFFICIENT, SAFE, AND TIMELY PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FORTIFIED MEALS, EACH CENTRAL KITCHEN SHALL MAINTAIN A STANDARDIZED STAFFING PATTERN APPROPRIATE TO ITS MEAL PRODUCTION CAPACITY AND WORKFLOW DEMANDS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS DETERMINED BY THE DEPED, CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, AND DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT." "SEC. 5. Prioritization in the Program Implementation. - The NGAs shall create a five (5)-year plan to fully implement the Program: Provided, That the NGAs concerned shall prioritize the implementation of the Program in the LGUs and public day care or elementary schools that meet any of the following criteria: "(a) With the highest prevalence of underutrition and [nutrient] MICRONUTRIENT-deficiency among children aged three (3) years up to grade six (6) level;

"XXX"

SEC. 2. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 11037 is hereby amended to read as

follows: "SEC. 7. Local Government Assistance. - LGUs shall assist the NGAs in the efficient and effective implementation of the Program in accordance with

Section 4 of this Act and shall be authorized to use a portion of the Special

Education Fund (SEF) [and/or their twenty percent (20%) development fund] OR OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS, OR BOTH, as provided for in Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the "Local Government Code of 1991", as amended, to augment the appropriations available under the General Appropriations Act (GAA)."

SEC. 3. New sections 8, 9 and 10 are hereby inserted in Republic Act No. 11037 to

read as follows: "SEC. 8. PROCUREMENT OF PRODUCE FROM SMALL-SCALE FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK. - CONSISTENT WITH REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11321, OR THE "SAGIP SAKA ACT", THE GOVERNMENT SHALL DIRECTLY PURCHASE THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERY PRODUCTS NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL FEEDING PROGRAM FROM QUALIFIED AND ACCREDITED FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK COOPERATIVES AND ENTERPRISES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH REPUBLIC ACT NO. 12009, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "NEW GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT ACT," ITS IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND APPLICABLE GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT POLICY BOARD. "AT ALL TIMES, AT LEAST THIRTY PERCENT (30%) OF THE TOTAL VOLUME OF AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERY PRODUCTS REQUIRED FOR THE PROGRAM SHALL BE SOURCED DIRECTLY FROM LOCAL FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK, GIVING PRIORITY TO SMALL-SCALE LOCAL FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK. SOURCING FROM LOCAL FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK OTHER THAN SMALL-SCALE LOCAL FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK SHALL ONLY BE ALLOWED IF THEIR PRODUCE IS INSUFFICIENT TO MEET THE FULL REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAM." "SEC. 9. REGISTRY OF SMALL-SCALE PRODUCERS. - THE DA SHALL KEEP A LIST OF SMALL-SCALE PRODUCERS. IT SHALL USE THE FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

(FFEDIS), REGISTRY FOR BASIC SECTORS IN AGRICULTURE (RSBSA), THE REGIONAL FIELD OFFICE (RFO) LIST OF BENEFICIARIES, THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES' NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR MUNICIPAL FISHERFOLK REGISTRATION (BFAR FISH R) FOR FISHERFOLK AND ANY OTHER LIST IT MAY DEEM NECESSARY TO KEEP THE REGISTRY UP TO DATE. FURTHERMORE, THE DA IS REQUIRED TO COORDINATE WITH THE DSWD TO CROSS-MATCH AND COMPARE THE REGISTRY WITH THE DSWD'S NATIONAL HOUSEHOLD TARGETING SYSTEM FOR POVERTY REDUCTION (NHTS-PR) TO AVOID DUPLICATION AND REDUNDANCY." "SEC. 10. SUPPORT SERVICES FOR AGRARIAN REFORM BENEFICIARIES WHO ARE SMALL-SCALE PRODUCERS. - THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM (DAR) SHALL INSTITUTE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS FOR AGRARIAN REFORM BENEFICIARIES WHO ARE SMALL-SCALE PRODUCERS AS CONTAINED IN THEIR LIST OF BENEFICIARIES: "A. TRAINING ON PRODUCTION, HARVESTING, PROCUREMENT PROCESS OF THIS ACT, AND ANY OTHER TOPIC THE DAR SEES FIT; "B. SUBSIDIZED FARM EQUIPMENT; "C. FACILITIES FOR STORAGE AND HARVESTING; "D. CAPACITY BUILDING FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMER; "E. ACCESS TO CROP INSURANCE; AND "F. ACCESS TO CREDIT/LOW INTEREST RATES."

SEC. 4. Section 8 of Republic Act No. 11037 is hereby renumbered as section 11

and amended as follows: "SEC. [8] 11. Private Sector Participation. - The NGAs shall encourage the participation of the private sector in the Program which shall include, among others, PTAs, private corporations, peoples and nongovernment organizations and such other groups or organizations, both foreign and local, that may want to be partner in whole or in part with the implementation of the Program: PROVIDED, THAT THE DEPED, DSWD, AND DA SHALL STRENGTHEN LINKAGES WITH MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES AND COMMUNITY-BASED AND GRASSROOTS INITIATIVES FROM WHICH DEPED SHALL SOURCE THE MEALS FOR THE PROGRAM, WHENEVER

PRACTICABLE; PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT ALL PARTNERSHIPS SHALL ADHERE TO EXISTING LAWS, GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES AND OTHER APPLICABLE RULES AND REGULATIONS ON PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS."

SEC. 5. Sections 9 and 10 of Republic Act No. 11037 are hereby renumbered as

sections 12 and 13 respectively. "SEC. [9] 12. Monitoring and Annual Report. - xxx." "SEC. [10] 13. Tax Exemption. - xxx."

SEC. 6. Section 11 of Republic Act No. 11037 is hereby renumbered as Section 14

and amended as follows: "SEC. [11] 14. APPROPRIATIONS. - THE AMOUNT NECESSARY [to carry out the initial] FOR THE INITIAL implementation of this Act shall be [sourced from] CHARGED AGAINST the CURRENT YEAR'S appropriations of the [NGAS] DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continuous implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act [under the respective budgets of the NGAs]. "THE LGUS CONCERNED MAY PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE, IN THEIR RESPECTIVE ANNUAL BUDGETS".

SEC. 7. Section 12 of Republic Act No. 11037 is hereby renumbered as Section 15.

"SEC. [12] 15. Procurement of Goods and Services. - × xx."

SEC. 8. A new section 16 is hereby inserted in Republic Act No. 11037 to read as

follows: "SEC. 16. TRANSITORY PROVISION. - WITHIN SIX (6) MONTHS FROM THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ACT, THE DSWD, DEPED, AND DA SHALL EACH UPDATE THEIR RESPECTIVE AND EXISTING POLICIES, RULES, AND REGULATIONS IN LIGHT OF, AND RELEVANT TO, THIS ACT."

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the

effectivity of this Act, the DepEd and DSWD shall, in consultation with the DA, DOH, 41 NNC, DOST-FNRI, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and concerned

LGUs, and such other relevant government agencies, nongovernment organizations, and development partners, promulgate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 11037 is hereby amended. All laws,

presidential decrees, executive orders, resolutions, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 11. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act or any part hereof

be declared unconstitutional, the other provisions or parts not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,