Free Breakfast Program and Sustainable Agriculture Act

First Regular Session JUL -7 P1:27 SENATE S. No. — Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN ESTABLISHING A FREE BREAKFAST PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS FROM KINDER TO GRADE 12 AND DAYCARE CENTERS, MANDATING DIRECT PROCUREMENT OF PRODUCE FROM LOCAL FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11321, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "SAGIP SAKA ACT," TO ENHANCE CHILD HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND FOOD SECURITY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The future of the Philippines hinges on the health and education of its children. Regrettably, the current state presents a critical challenge that demands urgent legislative intervention. The World Food Programme (WFP) highlights that the Philippines is grappling with the "triple burden of malnutrition" - undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiency - a pervasive issue severely hindering children's ability to learn and thrive. This alarming reality directly contributes to a severe learning crisis where a staggering 9 out of 10 children cannot read and understand age-appropriate texts. At 91%, the national learning poverty rate is significantly higher than the East Asia and Pacific regional average of 35%. 1 Further compounding this crisis, the 2022 Programme for International Students Assessment (PISA) revealed that Filipino students rank among the lowest in reading, mathematics, and science across 81 countries, indicating a development * World Food Programme. School Meals Programme in the Philippines. Bringing Hot, Nutritious Meals to Children.

lag of five to six years behind the average learner. The dismal academic performance is inextricably linked to the widespread problem of malnutrition.2 Recent 2023 data from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) paints an even more sobering picture, reporting that malnutrition tragically claims the lives of 95 Filipino children daily, with 27 out of 1,000 children not surviving past their fifth birthday. 3 The World Health Organization (WHO) further classified the Philippines' stunting prevalence in 2021 as of "very high public health significance", with one in four children under five years old being stunted. Without decisive action, the Philippines risks failing its 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for nutrition, building on its shortfall from the 2015 Millenium Development Goal (MDG).5 Recognizing that proper nutrition is fundamental to a child's ability to learn, develop, and reach their full potential, and leveraging research from the World Food Programme (WFP) that demonstrates school meal programs significantly boost enrolment and attendance, this bill proposes a two-pronged approach to address these interconnected challenges. First, the bill seeks to establish a comprehensive free breakfast program for all daycare to Grade 12 public school students. A dedicated nutritionist will be part of this program, tasked with educating students, parents, and communities on healthy eating practices, proper nutrition, and ensuring the consistent serving of fortified meals. Second, and crucially, this initiative will foster a direct and impactful link with local farmers and fisherfolk. This bill mandates the direct procurement of not less 2 Hungry Children do not make good students. (Kenneth Harigan-Go, Angel Faye Castillo, et al.). Rappler. Published on January 28, 2024. Available at https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the-news/hungry-children-do-not-make-good-students- bid. - Piece-by-Kenneth-hartigan-g-angel-faye castille. Accessed on 20 June 2025). 4 Ibid. 5 Philippine Institute for Development Studies (Valerie Gilbert T. Ulep, et al.), The Determinants of the Socioeconomic Inequality and Trajectory of Stunting in the Philippines. Published on February 15, 2023. Available at https://www.pids.gov.ph/publication/discussion-papers/the-determinants-of-the-socioeconomic-inequality-and-the-trajectorx= of-child-stunting-in-the-philippines. (Accessed on 19 June 2025) 6 Almost half of school children get free meals, report shows but most vulnerable still miss out amid global food crisis. World Food Programme. Published on March 21, 2023. Available at https://www.wfp.org/news/almost-half-school-children-get-free- meals-report-shows-most-vulnerable-still-miss-out-amid. (Accessed on 19 June 2025)

than 50% of their produce, in line with the Sagip Saka Act. This integrated approach aims not only to combat stunting and malnutrition and significantly improve academic outcomes for Filipino youth but also to provide stable market access and enhanced incomes for local farmers and fisherfolk. By doing so, this Act simultaneously strengthens food security, promotes sustainable agriculture, and champions the holistic well-being of the Filipino youth. The immediate passage of this vital measure is earnestly sought. HANCES SANCTIMAN Senater

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES RENTE OF THE PEEPINEE First Regular Session 25 JUL -7 P1:27 SENATE S. No. 219 Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FREE BREAKFAST PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS FROM KINDER TO GRADE 12 AND DAYCARE CENTERS, MANDATING DIRECT PROCUREMENT OF PRODUCE FROM LOCAL FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11321, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "SAGIP SAKA ACT," TO ENHANCE CHILD HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND FOOD SECURITY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Title.- This Act shall be known as the "Free Breakfast Program and

Sustainable Agriculture Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to:

(a) Prioritize the health and nutritional well-being of all public school children, recognizing that proper nutrition is proper for their cognitive development, academic performance, and overall growth; (b) Address the pervasive issue of malnutrition, stunting, and learning poverty among Filipino children; (c) Strengthen the agricultural and fisheries sectors by providing stable and direct market access for local farmers and fisherfolk, thereby boosting their incomes, improving their quality of life, and contributing to national food security; (d) Promote a holistic and integrated approach to food systems, linking local production directly to consumption within communities.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms.- As used in this Act:

(a) Accredited Farmers' and Fisherfolk's Cooperatives and Associations refer to organizations of farmers and fisherfolk duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) or other relevant government agencies, and recognized by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department o Education (DepEd) for the purpose of this Act. (b) Direct Procurement refers to the direct purchase of agricultural and fishery products by the implementing agencies from accredited farmers and fisherfolk's cooperatives and associations, bypassing intermediaries, consistent with the principles of Republic Act No. 11321, otherwise known as the "Sagip Saka Act." (c) Fortified Meals refer to meals that have been enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals to address micronutrient deficiencies, in accordance with national nutritional guidelines. (d) Local Farmers and Fisherfolk refer to individual farmers, fisherfolk, or their duly authorized cooperatives and associations whose farms or fishing grounds are located within or in close proximity to the public schools or their respective localities. (e) Nutritionist refers to a licensed nutritionist-dietitian who is qualified to provide expertise in health and nutrition education and planning. (f) Public school children refer to all enrolled students in public daycare centers, kindergarten, elementary, junior high school, and senior high school levels, including Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners within the jurisdiction of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (g) School Feeding Program or Program refers to the Free Breakfast Program established under this Act. (h) Sagip Saka Act refers to Republic Act No. 11321, which aims to promote the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk by developing their enterprises and providing direct market access.

Sec. 4. Establishment of the Free Breakfast Program.- There is hereby

established a Free Breakfast Program for all Public School Children from Daycare to Grade 12 in all public schools nationwide. The Department of Education (DepEd), in

coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for daycare centers, shall be the primary implementing agency of this Program.

Sec. 5. Program Components.- The School Feeding Program shall include, but

shall not be limited to the following components: (a) Provision of Nutritious and Fortified Breakfasts. - Daily nutritious and fortified breakfast meals shall be provided to all Public School Children, adhering to national dietary and nutritional guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC). The meals shall be culturally appropriate and responsive to local food preferences. (b) Direct Procurement from Local Farmers and Fisherfolk. - To ensure fresh, quality products, support local economies, and implement the spirit of the Sagip Saka Act, a substantial portion, not less than fifty percent (50%) of the produce required for the School Feeding Program shall be directly procured from accredited Local Farmers and Fisherfolk, or their cooperatives and associations. The procurement process shall be streamlined, transparent, and shall prioritize their fair farmgate and fisherfolk prices, consistent with the provisions and intent of Republic Act No. 11321, otherwise known as the "Sagip Saka Act." ; (c) Integrated Nutrition Education, Behavioral Transformation, and Social Mobilization. - The Program shall be complemented by a public health, nutrition, and values campaign. A nutritionist shall be an integral part of this complement, tasked with educating students, parents, and communities on healthy eating habits, proper nutrition, the benefits of fortified meals, and sustainable food consumption. Orientation-training on the objectives and mechanics of the Program shall be conducted among personnel of concerned National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs), parent volunteers and parent-teacher associations (PTAs) to generate broad support. Concerned NGAs shall also endeavor to mobilize community organizations to continue nutrition education outside of the school.

(d) Monitoring and Evaluation. - A robust monitoring and evaluation system shall be established to assess the Program's impact on children's nutritional status, academic performance, school attendance, and the economic benefits of farmers and fisherfolk. (e) Capacity Building. - Capacity building programs shall be provided to accredited farmers' and fisherfolk's cooperatives and associations to ensure consistent supply of quality produce, adherence to food safety standards, and improved enterprise management.

Sec. 6. Funding.- The funds necessary for the implementation of this Act shall

be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) under the respective budgets of the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD), and Department of Agriculture (DA). The implementing agencies are authorized to seek and receive grants, donations, and other forms of assistance from local and international sources, subject to existing government accounting and auditing rules and regulations. .

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from

the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Education (DepEd), in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of 19 Agriculture (DA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Health (DOH), the National Nutrition Council (NNC), and other relevant agencies, shall jointly promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions hereof.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause.- All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations,

rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity Clause.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,