By Kenneth Marcos 
Early mornings in selected barangays in Antique and Iloilo have taken on a healthier rhythm. Children line up with cups in hand, parents watching closely as fresh milk is served. For many families, this simple routine means stronger bodies, better nutrition, and hope for a healthier future for their children.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Field Office VI (DSWD RFO VI), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center at West Visayas State University (DA-PCC at WVSU), has completed the 15th cycle of the Supplementary Feeding Program–Milk Component. The cycle officially ended on December 22, strengthening government support for child nutrition and the local dairy sector in Western Visayas.
Under the program, pasteurized milk was distributed to young beneficiaries in selected municipalities in Antique and Iloilo. The initiative aims to address malnutrition among children, particularly those in low-income communities, by providing an affordable and reliable source of protein and essential nutrients.
Local cooperatives played a key role in delivering the milk to the communities. The Hamtic Multi-Purpose Cooperative served beneficiaries in Patnongon, Antique, while the Pandan Multi-Purpose Cooperative handled distribution in Libertad, Antique. In Iloilo, the Barotac Nuevo Development Cooperative provided milk to children in the towns of Concepcion and Carles.
DSWD officials said the milk component of the supplementary feeding program is designed to complement regular meals given to children under its care. Milk is known to support growth, bone development, and overall health, especially during early childhood when proper nutrition is critical.
The partnership with DA-PCC highlights how nutrition programs can also support Filipino farmers. The milk used in the program is sourced from local dairy producers, helping create a stable market for carabao milk while promoting the consumption of locally produced food. This approach not only benefits children but also strengthens the livelihood of dairy farmers and cooperatives.
The Philippine Carabao Center has long promoted carabao milk as a nutritious and locally available alternative to imported dairy products. By linking dairy farmers directly to social protection programs, the government helps ensure that public funds support both health and agriculture.
Parents of beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the continued feeding program, noting improvements in their children’s appetite and energy. For families struggling with rising food prices, the daily milk serving provides relief and reassurance that their children are receiving proper nourishment.
Nutrition experts stress that malnutrition remains a challenge in many rural and coastal areas, where access to diverse and nutritious food can be limited. Programs like the Supplementary Feeding Program–Milk Component help reduce this gap by delivering targeted support to children most in need.
DSWD RFO VI said it will continue working with partner agencies and cooperatives to expand and sustain feeding initiatives. The agency also emphasized the importance of community participation, proper handling of milk, and regular monitoring to ensure the program’s effectiveness.
As the government strengthens efforts to fight hunger and malnutrition, the collaboration between social welfare agencies and the agriculture sector shows how shared action can create lasting impact. For the children who start their day with a cup of milk, the program offers more than nutrition—it offers a better chance at a healthy and productive life.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News