208,278 Children From Western Visayas To Benefit From DSWD’s Feeding Program

Some 208,278 children from Western Visayas have been identified as recipients of the Supplementary Feeding program to be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) this year.

The program targets children three to five years old who are enrolled in day care service.

“Through the feeding program, we will be able to contribute to curb hunger in the region, especially among young children,” said Rebecca P. Geamala, regional director of DSWD in Western Visayas.

The region has been allotted Php374.6 million for the program with Negros Occidental getting the biggest share at Php145.2 million and Iloilo with Php118.4 million.

Meanwhile, Antique has Php41 million, Capiz with Php34.9 million, Aklan has Php26.4 million and Guimaras with Php8.7 million.

The feeding program provides hot meals as recommended by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and served during break time to children.

It was implemented in response to the 2006 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) conducted by the National Statistics Office which showed that 11 percent of Filipino families had income that could not buy the food needed by family members for nutritional well-being and health.

Also, it aims to improve knowledge, attitude and practices of children enrolled in day care centers, parents and caregivers through intensified nutrition and health education.

In the same manner, it targets to improve and sustain the nutritional status of all targeted children while their medical and nutrition-related problems will be referred to health units. (PNA) LAP/PGL/PR/CBF