THE City of Mati received a major boost in its early childhood care efforts after the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) turned over P6.42 million to support the implementation of the Supplemental Feeding Program (SFP) for local day care children.
The funds, personally handed over by DSWD-Davao Director Merlinda Paragamac on July 3, are allocated for the nutritional needs of 2,140 children aged 3 to 4 years old enrolled in Child Development Centers (CDCs) across all 26 barangays of Mati.
The program will run for 120 days, providing hot, nutritious meals to children as part of a national commitment to combat malnutrition and promote healthy eating habits during early childhood.
Almario underscored that the feeding program goes beyond simply providing meals, viewing it as a long-term investment in the health, education, and future of Mati’s children. He highlighted the vital role of government support in improving the lives of the city’s most vulnerable sectors and noted that the initiative reflects the strong collaboration between national and local governments in advancing inclusive social programs for Matinians.
The turnover came just days after Almario officially assumed office as the 29th Mayor of Mati City on June 30.
In his inaugural address, Almario pledged to prioritize the social development of every Matinian, placing a strong focus on public health, education, and family welfare.
Running under the platform “Mati Maayo Para sa Tanan” (Mati for All), Almario vowed to dismantle what he described as years of toxic politics and steer the city toward inclusive, people-centered progress.
He emphasized that real development cannot be achieved through infrastructure alone but must be felt in the daily lives of ordinary citizens, especially children, women, the elderly, and underserved communities.
The DSWD’s Supplemental Feeding Program is part of its broader national strategy to support early childhood development through nutrition.
While the department provides the food supplies and meal planning, local government units take charge of cooking, logistics, and ensuring program implementation.
With this initiative aligned with his administration’s priorities, Almario assured Matinians that more people-centered programs are forthcoming.
He reiterated that his leadership will work tirelessly to bridge social gaps and restore public trust in government. DEF