DSWD Allocates P182.4 Million for Child Feeding Program in Ilocos Region
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has earmarked PHP182.4 million to support a supplementary feeding program for children in the Ilocos Region. This initiative, set to commence in September, aims to improve nutrition among young learners across the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the funding will benefit 101,374 children aged three to five who are enrolled at 125 Child Development Centers, Day Care Centers, or supervised neighborhood play institutions across the Ilocos Region. “The primary goal is to enhance the weight of undernourished children or maintain the weight of those who are already within the normal range for their age,” Sab-it explained.
The distribution of funds will vary by province, with the bulk, PHP100.4 million, allocated to Pangasinan for approximately 55,800 beneficiaries. This is followed by La Union with PHP31.6 million for about 17,500 children, Ilocos Sur with PHP29.4 million for roughly 16,300, and Ilocos Norte receiving PHP20.9 million for around 11,600 beneficiaries.
Sab-it noted an increase in the number of beneficiaries from last year’s total of 100,152, attributing this to the updated lists of learners submitted by local government units. The DSWD emphasizes that the feeding program not only provides nutritional support but also integrates nutrition and health education to further enhance the well-being of the children involved.