A measure seeking to extend the national feeding program to undernourished children in secondary schools hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives on Thursday.

The House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, chaired by Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo, approved the substitute bill to House Bill 5907, which would amend Republic Act 11037, or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para Sa Batang Pilipino Act.

Bill author and Marikina City Representative Stella Luz Quimbo cited the 2018 Expanded National Nutritional Survey in crafting the measure, stating that 26.3 percent of adolescent children are stunted (low height), while 11.3 percent are wasted (low weight).

Under the bill, the school-based feeding program shall be broadened to cover undernourished public school children from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

It shall include the provision of at least one fortified meal for a period of not less than 120 days in a year.

It was agreed during the hearing that each meal with the appropriate amount of nutrition will cost PHP27 each while there will be an additional 10 percent allowance for program administration.

“Our children and all future generations will reap a prosperous, stable, and peaceful society if we invest in their health and education today. We must institutionalize prioritizing their access to quality schooling and nutrition,” Quimbo said.

Quimbo also proposed to ensure that parents are involved in the nutrition program as part of the education campaign.

She likewise proposed the possibility of having private sector participation in the provision of meals, particularly through livelihood projects. (PNA)