Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2487

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Roy M. Gonzales

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Philippines is a signatory to the International Covenant on Economic,
Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) which recognizes the right of everyone to
an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate
food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living
conditions." The 1987 Philippine Constitution expressly avers that “The State
shall protect and promote the right to health and instill health consciousness
(Article II, Section 15). It further declares that “The State's responsibility to protect
the well-being of the people, including access to adequate food. (Article XIII,
Section 1).

The enactment of Republic Act No. 11037 or most commonly known as the
“Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act” is commendable and this
proposed measure prays to refine the legislation further. According to Philippine
Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), a significant 26.6 percent (26.6%) of Filipino
children under five (6) are stunted, while 5.5 percent (5.5%) suffer from wasting?
In 2021, the national average of stunting for adolescents aged 10-19 years is at
22.3 per cent (22.3%).

In the light and spirit of Republic Act No. 11037 to counter children and
adolescent nutritional challenge and hunger, this bill aims to:

1. Increase the national feeding period from 120 days to 180 days every
school year enabling continuous nutritional support to cover the entire
academic year; and

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2, Include secondary school students as beneficiaries in the feeding
program who are enrolled in public school institutions.

This measure seeks to guarantee quality education to healthy children
during their learning years by expansion in scope and duration. Increasing the
duration of the program and including the secondary school students will
improve lifetime nutritional benefits which in effect is a good investment to the
human capital of the country.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this proposed measure
is earnestly sought.

Lone District of Santa Hosa City] Laguna


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2487

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Roy M. Gonzales

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11037, ENTITLED, “AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A NATIONAL FEEDING PROGRAM FOR
UNDERNOURISHED CHILDREN IN PUBLIC DAY CARE,
KINDERGARTEN, AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TO COMBAT HUNGER
AND UNDERNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 11037, entitled “AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A NATIONAL FEEDING PROGRAM FOR
UNDERNOURISHED CHILDREN IN PUBLIC DAY CARE, KINDERGARTEN,
AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TO COMBAT HUNGER AND
UNDERNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR,” is hereby amended to read as follows:

XXX

(a) Supplemental Feeding Program for Day Care Children. - The DSWD, in
coordination with the LGUs concerned, shall implement a supplemental
feeding program for undernourished children aged three (3) to five (5)
years. The Program shall be administered in day care centers or in any
other facility that can be used for such purpose: Provided, That the Program
shall include the provision of at least one (1) fortified meal for a period of
not less than [one hundred twenty (120)] ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180)
days ina year:


(b)School-Based Program. - The DepEd shall implement a school-based
feeding program for undernourished public-school children from
kindergarten to grade [six (6)] TWELVE (12): Provided, That the Program
shall include the provision of at least one (1) fortified meal to all
undernourished public KINDERGARTEN, elementary, AND
SECONDARY school children for a period of not less than one hundred
[twenty (20)] EIGHTY (180) days ina year:

SECTION 2. Section 5(a) of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
XXX

“(a) With the highest prevalence of undernutrition and nutrient deficiency
among children aged three (3) years up to grade [six (6)] TWELVE (12)
level;”

SECTION 3. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of
this Act shall be included in the RESPECTIVE budgets of the DEPARTMENT OF
EDUCATION AND DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND
DEVELOPMENT. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continuous
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual GAA under the
respective budgets of the above-named lead agencies.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Education AND THE
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT shall, in
consultation with the National Nutrition Council (NNC), the Food and Nutrition
Research Institute, the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, the
Department of Interior and Local Government, and concerned Local Government
Units, and such other relevant government agencies, non-government
organizations, and development partners, promulgate the rules and regulations
for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in
full force and effect.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, and rules
and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.


SECTION 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,