By Kenneth Marcos 
Children in Manila’s public schools are set to receive fresh milk as part of a new feeding initiative that aims to keep students healthy while supporting Filipino dairy farmers. The Private Sector-Funded Milk Feeding Program, formally signed by Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso and National Dairy Authority (NDA) Administrator Marcus Andaya, will benefit more than 100,000 Batang Maynila in the coming months.
The partnership brings together the City Government of Manila, the NDA, and several private sector partners to provide locally produced fresh milk to young learners. The program ensures that children get proper nutrition while promoting the livelihood of local dairy farmers who supply the milk.
“I like the idea of Administrator Andaya helping our local dairy farmers and producers. Kami ay makikibahagi, as we have promised the administration that in our own little way as a local government unit, our paths and programs will be aligned and synchronized with the national government,” Mayor Isko said during the signing ceremony.
The feeding initiative is part of a broader effort to combat malnutrition among school-aged children while strengthening the local dairy industry. By sourcing milk directly from Filipino farmers, the program not only guarantees freshness but also provides consistent income to small-scale dairy producers across the country.
According to the NDA, the Philippines currently imports a large portion of its milk supply, making support for local dairy farmers crucial to achieving milk self-sufficiency. Through programs like this, the government hopes to expand the domestic dairy market and improve the quality of local milk products.
Health experts have long emphasized the importance of milk in children’s growth, providing essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins that contribute to stronger bones and improved brain development. The city’s feeding program, Mayor Isko added, reflects the administration’s commitment to both health and food security.
The partnership also aligns with the national government’s “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” initiative, which encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors to address nutrition challenges and strengthen agricultural industries.
As the program rolls out in Manila’s public schools, teachers, parents, and students alike are hopeful that this effort will not only improve children’s health but also help sustain Filipino farmers whose livelihoods depend on local milk production.
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