Bicam OKs expanded school feeding, direct buys from farmers, fishers

The bicameral conference committee on the 2026 national budget has approved proposals pushed by Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan to expand the Department of Education’s School-Based Feeding Program and require the direct sourcing of food from local farmers, fishers, and dairy producers.

Lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives on Saturday night approved a nearly P1-trillion budget for the Department of Education, including a substantial increase in funding for school feeding.

Under the approved measure, the School-Based Feeding Program’s allocation was raised to P25.7 billion, more than double the P11.7 billion proposed under the National Expenditure Program.

The program will also be extended from 120 to 200 school days, including 30 days dedicated to milk feeding. Coverage will continue for kindergarten to Grade 1 learners and will be expanded to include Grade 2 to Grade 6 pupils classified as wasted or severely wasted.

Pangilinan said the expanded feeding program will be implemented in accordance with Republic Act No. 11321, or the Sagip Saka Act, which allows government agencies to procure food directly from accredited farmers’ and fishers’ cooperatives.

The milk component of the program will be handled by the National Dairy Authority and the Philippine Carabao Center, with fresh milk sourced from local dairy farmers to replace imported powdered milk.

“We are investing in our children’s health, incomes of our farms, and the country’s food security. We are fulfilling the promise of Sagip Saka: Feed the child, support the farmer and the fisher,” Pangilinan emphasized.

The approved measures are expected to be included in the final version of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill once the bicameral committee report is ratified by both chambers of Congress.