15/07/2026
๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฅ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ก๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐
๐, ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ' ๐ก๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ
As the Department of Education continues to champion holistic learner development, the Schools Division of Davao del Sur officially launched the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) at Inawayan Elementary School, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that every child receives the nutrition needed to learn, thrive, and succeed.
Medical Officer III Michelle Macasayon, MD, emphasized that the program aims to reaffirm and strengthen parents' understanding of the Department's commitment to learner welfare. She highlighted that DepEd's role extends beyond supporting the cognitive development of learners by also promoting their overall well-being through the provision of nutritious foods.
In his inspirational message, Schools Division Superintendent Lorenzo E. Mendoza, CESO V underscored the importance of investing in children's nutrition from the very beginning of their educational journey.
"Everything shall start at the beginning; we are doing this for our children, especially as universal scheme of DepEd that our kindergarten pupils, all of them shall be fed," he shared.
He further noted that the Education Secretary emphasized during the national and regional launching of the program the need to prioritize Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners, recognizing that many children may not have received adequate nutrition before entering school.
SDS Mendoza added that improving learners' academic performance begins with addressing their nutritional needs. He encouraged teachers and parents to work hand in hand in monitoring learners' food intake and ensuring that healthy eating habits practiced in schools are likewise sustained at home.
"What we are doing in schools should also be done at home," he emphasized.
The activity also featured the ceremonial oath-taking of the SBFP Core Group of Inawayan Elementary School, followed by the signing of the SBFP Commitment Wallโa symbolic affirmation of the shared responsibility among stakeholders in ensuring the successful implementation of the program.
According to Mark Dexter G. Ylagan, RN, Division focal person for the implementation of the SBFP in Davao del Sur, the program will benefit 20,688 learners across 221 implementing elementary schools. Of these, 43 schools will provide hot meals, supported by 18 drop-off points throughout the province. The 100-day feeding program officially commenced on July 13, 2026.
Nurse Ylagan shared that this year's implementation addresses previous challenges, particularly "food fatigue," through more varied and nutritious weekly meal offerings. He also expressed his gratitude to the Local Government Units and private sector stakeholders for their continued support in the successful implementation of the program.
The kick-off program was attended by Schools Division Office personnel, including the Division Health and Nutrition Section Team, Public Schools District Supervisors, School Heads from the Santa Cruz North District, Barangay Local Government Officials, parents, and stakeholders from the private sector.
