DSWD Allocates ₱5.18 Billion for Expanded Daycare Feeding Program

Government program targets undernutrition in daycare.

Published on Jun 27, 2025

Facebook/ Department of Social Welfare and Development - DSWD

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is expanding its efforts to fight child hunger with a ₱5.18 billion budget for its Supplemental Feeding Program. The initiative aims to provide nutritious meals to around 1.5 million children enrolled in public Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Supervised Neighborhood Plays (SNPs) across the country.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced the expanded program during a press briefing in Malacañang. He said the move supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen nutrition programs for young children.

“These are the years that shape a child’s future,” Gatchalian said. “We want to make sure they are eating well, growing well, and ready to learn.”

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Expanded Daycare Feeding Program

The program will provide one hot meal per day to children aged three to five for 120 school days, with each meal now valued at ₱25, up from ₱15 in previous years. To further support undernourished children, the feeding will also include fresh milk worth ₱22 per child.

Meals are based on the Pinggang Pinoy guide created by the National Nutrition Council and approved by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute. They are carefully made to meet the nutritional needs of growing children.

Before the feeding starts, participating children are weighed to set a baseline. Their weight will be checked again midway through and at the end of the program to track improvement. The data collected is submitted by LGUs to the DSWD as part of ongoing monitoring.

The DSWD prefers to work directly with LGUs, releasing the funds to them so they can manage food procurement and preparation locally. Many communities prepare meals in central kitchens or right inside daycare centers. If LGUs save money by sourcing food locally, they are encouraged to use the extra funds to provide more meals or extend the program’s duration.

“This way, we’re not only feeding children but also creating local livelihood opportunities,” Gatchalian added. “It becomes a community effort.”

The Supplemental Feeding Program was institutionalized in 2018 through Republic Act No. 11037, or the Masustansiyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act. Since then, it has served as a key part of the government’s efforts to reduce hunger and support early childhood development.

Click here to learn what healthy foods to serve kids for meals and snacks.

Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.