Senatorial candidate and former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Monday underscored the urgency of implementing a free breakfast program in public schools to address malnutrition, improve learning outcomes, and reduce dropout rates among students.

Speaking before barangay officials in San Pablo City, Laguna on 7 April, Pangilinan said that if elected in the May 2025 midterm polls, he will push for a nationwide “Libreng Almusal” program for public school students from daycare to Grade 12.

Citing international models, he explained that school feeding programs have been effective in encouraging students to attend and stay in school while also improving their learning abilities.

“Data says that, when our children are well-fed, they’re more eager to study, their capacity to learn increases, and they are more likely to stay in school and finish their education,” Pangilinan said in Filipino. “Dropout rates go up because of hunger.”

He added that the program would also help ease the burden on impoverished families struggling to provide nutritious meals for their children. According to the World Food Program (WFP), good nutrition is vital not just for physical development but for academic performance, helping prevent early dropouts and even child labor and early marriage.

Pangilinan also emphasized that his proposed free breakfast program is designed to support not only students but also farmers and fisherfolk. Under the plan, 50% of the food served in schools would be sourced directly from local producers, giving them a stable and expanded market.

“Half of the breakfast served should be bought directly from local farmers and fisherfolk,” he said. “That way, we’re also increasing their income and supporting rural economies.”

The purchasing arrangement will be facilitated through the Sagip Saka Act, a law Pangilinan authored which allows national and local governments to procure agricultural goods directly from producers without the usual public bidding requirements. He noted that such a system provides access to fresh, nutritious food while also delivering significant savings for government programs.

Pangilinan, who has long championed food security and agricultural reform, said the Libreng Almusal program is a core part of his legislative agenda aimed at reducing hunger and promoting inclusive development. He reiterated that solving hunger and ensuring quality education must go hand in hand.