LAOAG CITY—The Ilocos Norte Schools Division of the Department of Education (DepEd) is strictly monitoring public school canteens in the province to ensure that they only sell nutritious food to students.
Ilocos Norte Schools Division Superintendent Vilma Eda said Tuesday this is part of their adherence to the revised implementing guideline on the operation and management of school canteens in public elementary and secondary schools.
She also said they are reminding teachers and even school personnel to refrain from selling food items within the school compound, except through the school-managed canteen or teacher’s cooperative canteen.
According to Eda, “sub-leasing the whole or part of the school canteen premises or sub-contracting the operation of the school canteen to concessionaires is prohibited.”
Based on the latest two-day monitoring of public school canteens, Dianne Albano, Nurse II of the INSDO, reported that there were some schools in the province that do not adhere to DepEd Order No. 8 series of 2007, which prohibits the selling of junk food and softdrinks.
In view of this, Eda said the INSDO will intensify its massive information drive particularly to the Parents and Teachers Association; and in the barangays to ensure that the order will be strictly followed this time.
“Vendors are also not allowed to bring in food items inside the school canteen or premises,” Eda explained.
As clearly stated in the DepEd order, only nutrient-rich and fortified food shall be made available in school canteens.
Processed fortified food should bear the “Sangkap Pinoy” seal. Among beverages, only milk, vegetable and fruit shakes and juices are allowed.
In order to curb the malnutrition problem among school children, selling of soft drinks and other carbonated drinks, sugar-based synthetic or artificially flavored juices and junk food is prohibited since these are detrimental to children’s health. (Leilanie Adriano/PNA)
