Philippines expands child nutrition program with 180 feeding days in 2026

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7 has intensified its efforts to support the growth of beneficiary children through its Supplementary Feeding Program. Planning for the 2026 implementation began in December 2025, with a focus on improving nutrition and consistency for young beneficiaries. An intensive orientation for the 2026 program took place on February 5, 2026, at Cebu City Hall. Daycare workers and program staff gathered to discuss guidelines and implementation strategies. This followed a workshop in Cagayan de Oro City from March 3 to 6, where a Case Management Tool was developed.

Bidding for food supplies was conducted in mid-April. Alternative Meals and Ready-to-Eat items were tendered on April 14, while Grocery Items followed on April 16. These steps aimed to secure quality, safety, and nutritional standards for the food provided. On April 16-17, further refinements were made via online meetings, including updates to the Manual of Operations and finalisation of monitoring tools.

The program has also expanded its reach. Feeding days increased from 120 to 180, ensuring more regular nutrition for children. Additional orientations were held for Local Government Unit implementers, covering new guidelines and proper measurement procedures for tracking growth. The enhanced program now offers more frequent feeding interventions. Officials state this will lead to better health, improved learning capacity, and a stronger foundation for the children’s future. Capacity-building initiatives and updated tools will support its continued success.