Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced Tuesday a P140-million budget allocation for the province’s feeding program alongside the deployment of seven mobile kitchens.

The mobile kitchens, expected to be delivered this month, will be distributed across the province’s seven districts to support local communities and improve public health, Baricuatro told DAILY TRIBUNE.

“This would further strengthen Capitol’s food security initiatives across Cebu,” Baricuatro said. “We talk of economic growth, quality education and tourism, but our people are hungry, lacking nutrition.”

As part of the initiative, the governor led the ceremonial administration of Vitamin A and iron supplements to toddlers during the launch of the 52nd National Nutrition Month.

The provincial government plans to distribute 600,000 Vitamin A capsules and 300,000 iron supplements to rural health units across all Cebu cities and municipalities.

The funding injection comes as the province faces significant public health challenges. Government records show Cebu province has recorded 20,664 stunted children, 3,141 children experiencing wasting, and 8,672 classified as underweight.

“Malnutrition is not only a health concern,” Baricuatro said. “That is why I am grateful that nutrition is not only being seen as a side program but as a priority. If you ask me what kind of Cebu I dream of, my answer is simple: a Cebu where every family has the opportunity to live a healthy and dignified life.”