BALAMBAN became the starting point of Cebu’s P140-million provincewide feeding program aimed at improving the health and school performance of public school learners through regular breakfast meals.
The Cebu Provincial Government on Thursday launched Tabang Pang-Pabaskog at Jose Chona Jo Elementary School in Barangay Cambuhawe, where around 1,000 pupils will initially benefit from the nutrition initiative.
The program targets learners identified by the Department of Education (DepEd) as needing nutritional support, particularly those who are severely wasted, stunted, undernourished, or at risk of malnutrition.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the launch with Balamban Mayor Edwin “Amos” Cabahug and Cebu Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Senen Priscillo Paulin after signing a memorandum of understanding for the implementation of the project.
The provincial government allocated P140 million for the program, which will use seven mobile kitchens to prepare and deliver meals to participating schools.
Unlike previous feeding activities where schools depended on teachers and parents to prepare meals, the new initiative will provide ready-to-eat breakfast meals directly to learners.
Baricuatro said the program focuses on breakfast to help children who may arrive at school without having eaten at home.
“Sa probinsiya ang atong feeding program is breakfast. At least katong mga bata nga walay chance makakaon sa ilang balay, ig-abot nila sa eskwelahan naa gyud sila makaon,” Baricuatro said.
The governor said the Capitol aims to sustain the feeding program instead of implementing it only as a short-term intervention.
“Ang gusto nako ang atong feeding program makalahutay gud ta,” she said.
She added that improving education requires addressing the overall welfare and needs of learners.
“Ang atong tinguha nga ang atong edukasyon, atong mga bata atong maatiman sa probinsiya,” Baricuatro said.
Paulin said proper nutrition plays an important role in improving children’s health and ability to learn.
“Very important nga ma-attain nato ang maayong panglawas is nutrition,” Paulin said.
He also thanked the provincial government for providing additional support to DepEd’s efforts to improve learner welfare.
“Amo unta ning tulubagon sa DepEd pero giluwas kami ni Governor Pam niining dapita pinaagi ani iyang project nga Tabang Pang-Pabaskog,” he said.
The program will run for at least 120 days and will include nutritional drinks, regular weight monitoring, health assessments, and weekly food assistance.
After the initial rollout in Balamban, the Capitol plans to expand the program to other public schools across Cebu.
The provincial government also distributed school supplies to Kindergarten to Grade 3 learners during the launch.
Cabahug thanked the provincial government for selecting Balamban as the first site of the initiative.
Comments