THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-Davao) is gearing up to feed a total of 89,879 children across the Davao Region as part of the 15th cycle of its Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP).
In a press conference held on Monday, July 7, the agency shared that preparations are underway for this year’s identified beneficiaries, and that food allocation and procurement processes are ongoing.
During the previous cycle, 122,400 children were served across the region.
Children enrolled in Child Development Centers (CDCs) are automatically considered SFP beneficiaries. Additionally, kids who are not enrolled but are regularly present outside CDCs may also be included.
The SFP, which started in 2011, operates on an annual 120-day feeding cycle, offering both hot meals (rice and viand) and alternative meals such as nutribuns.
Now in its 15th year, the program continues to aim at improving children’s nutritional status and teaching parents and guardians proper feeding and health practices.
Stunting remains a challenge in the Philippines; thus, the government emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition starting from the time the child is born.
Nutrition education is also provided to parents, especially 4Ps beneficiaries, through Family Development Sessions (FDS) and activities in CDCs.
Improvements in child nutrition have been observed with SFP, with many undernourished children reaching a normal weight after the feeding cycle.
"Last year, about 5,000 children beneficiaries were undernourished, and after 120 feeding days, about 2,000 plus children ang nabilin pa na [remain to be] undernourished," Larraine T. Villaver, Unit Head of the program, said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw, on Monday, July 7, 2025, at SM City Davao.
However, there are cases of children who are overweight, attributed to their eating habits. These children are also included in the feeding program.
The agency also warned against the rising intake of sweets, sodas, and high-carb foods among children, which contributes to overweight cases. Parents are encouraged to monitor and guide children’s eating habits for healthier outcomes.
The program is currently implemented across all 49 local government units (LGUs) in the region that operate CDCs.
To mark National Nutrition Month, DSWD-Davao will hold a culmination event on July 31 at its regional office. Highlights will include a cooking contest, a jingle competition, and a quiz bee, all designed to raise awareness on nutrition and healthy practices in the community. Ashley Kate L. Panaligan, Spamast Intern