ILOILO CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allotted PHP13.7 million for the implementation of the 8th cycle of the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) in Iloilo City this year.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in its regular session on Tuesday authorized Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III to sign an agreement with the DSWD for the transfer of funds that will benefit some 10, 381 enrollees in various government day care centers in the metropolis.
The SFP, which will commence in June this year, will run for 120 days. Each child is allotted PHP11 per meal to be comprised of “three-fourth cup rice, one fourth cup cooked vegetables, one-half cup matchbox size meat and one teaspoon cooking oil”.
The program will make use of indigenous and locally processed foods that will provide one-third of the energy need and nutrient intake of the day care pupil, according to Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo in his report.
Gene Garingalao, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, said right now the feeding program is still being funded by the 2017 budget. They are just finishing the remaining 30 days.
“This program is exclusive for day care preschoolers. As long as they are in the center they can avail of the feeding,” she said.
While the purpose of the program is to improve the nutritional status of day care pupils, yet it caters to its intended beneficiaries whether or not they are malnourished.
In addition to the feeding, another component of the program is the nutrition education for parents.
Garingalao said they hope to firm up the agreement soon now that the authority to sign has already been granted by the SP. (Perla Lena/PNA)
