The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday reported notable improvements in its feeding and academic recovery initiatives in two Las Piñas public schools, underscoring government efforts to accelerate learning recovery nationwide.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Moonwalk Elementary School and Talon Elementary School—both cited for literacy gains and strong feeding program execution—as part of ongoing field monitoring to “accelerate reading recovery and strengthen support for vulnerable learners.”
Moonwalk Elementary School recorded nearly 800 feeding beneficiaries this school year and launched its Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) tutorials in September. Teachers observed better attendance and renewed reading interest through a combined feeding-and-tutorial setup, supported by a 1:11 tutor-to-learner ratio.
Talon Elementary School, the division’s top performer in the Las Piñas National Achievement Test, reported strong ARAL outcomes. DepEd said 71 percent of its initial 575 enrollees exited the program after achieving grade-level reading proficiency—results credited to structured sessions, consistent monitoring, and dedicated literacy spaces.
Angara emphasized the value of school-level data in shaping policy direction.
“Kailangan nating marinig ang mga kwento sa bawat paaralan. Kapag malinaw ang datos mula sa baba, mas tama ang suporta mula sa taas. Dito natin nakikita kung ano ang talagang gumagana para sa mga bata,” he said.
Under the Senate-approved General Appropriations Bill, school MOOE allocations will rise to ₱60.89 billion from ₱49.76 billion, while the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) will receive ₱28.66 billion.
The expanded SBFP will support universal feeding for Kindergarten and Grade 1, extend services to 200 days, and provide targeted feeding for vulnerable junior and senior high school learners, including adolescent pregnant students.
Angara added that next year’s expanded program is designed to benefit local agriculture through locally sourced milk and DOST-FNRI–certified food suppliers. He also reiterated calls to amend the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act to expand coverage, establish central kitchens, and secure stable supply chains.
“Mas lumalawak ang puwedeng pondohan ng LGU para sa edukasyon. Hindi na kailangan maghintay ng sagot ng national-level, sa lokal pa lang, maasahan na ang angkop at mabilis na serbisyo at aksyon sa mga paaralan,” he said.