The House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 9466, a measure expanding the government’s school feeding program into a nationwide nutrition initiative aimed at combating hunger, malnutrition, and learning poverty among Filipino children.
The bill, which received 297 affirmative votes, proposes key amendments to Republic Act 11037, or the “Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act.” The measure broadens feeding coverage, enhances nutritional interventions, and integrates health, education, and local agriculture sectors.
Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos emphasized the critical importance of the legislation for student development.
“No child should be forced to learn on an empty stomach. By strengthening and expanding our nutrition programs, we are giving Filipino children a better chance to succeed in school, stay healthy, and reach their full potential.”
Under the proposed bill, a universal feeding program will be implemented for students from Kindergarten to Grade 3, while targeted feeding will be provided for undernourished learners in Grades 4 to 6.
Quezon City 5th District Representative PM Vargas, one of the bill’s authors, stressed that poor nutrition directly hinders academic performance.
“Kapag gutom at hindi wasto ang nutrisyon ng estudyante, hihina ang kanilang pag-absorb ng mga tinuturo sa eskwelahan at mapag-iiwanan sila sa klase. The opening of classes this Monday is a timely reminder for us to address this problem.”
Vargas added that the government must step in to support families struggling to provide sufficient food for their children.
“Hindi po natin dapat hayaan pumasok sa klase ang ating mga anak na kumakalam ang tiyan kung gusto po natin silang lumaking malusog at matalino. Kung nahihirapan ang mga magulang magbigay ng sapat na pagkain, dapat tayo po sa gobyerno ay handang tulungan sila.”
He further pointed out that safeguarding youth nutrition is essential for national development.
“Ang kabataan ang pundasyon ng ating bayan. Kaya sila po dapat ay ating inaalagaan at sinisiguradong lalaking malusog at marunong. If we want to raise the standards of learning in our public schools and ensure the welfare of our children, we must adequately fund and fix their nutrition.”
Co-author and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez explained that HB 9466 increases the feeding period from 120 days to 200 days annually to ensure year-round support. The program also expands its reach to pregnant learners at nutritional risk, children with disabilities, and indigenous students.
“This measure goes beyond assisting schoolchildren. It also provides support to nutritionally at-risk pregnant learners, children with disabilities, indigenous learners, and other vulnerable sectors who are more likely to experience hunger and malnutrition. No Filipino child or learner should be left behind simply because of their circumstances.”
Additionally, the bill introduces a milk feeding program utilizing locally produced dairy and mandates that at least 30 percent of agricultural and fishery supplies be sourced directly from small-scale local farmers and fisherfolk.
“This is more than a nutrition program. It is an investment in our children, our schools, our farmers, and our future. By connecting nutrition, education, and agriculture, we are creating a stronger foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.”
Romualdez concluded that prioritizing student nutrition is a crucial long-term strategy for the country.
“Every peso invested in nutrition yields benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. Healthier children become better learners, more productive citizens, and stronger contributors to nation-building. This measure is a strategic investment in the future of the Philippines.”