By Kenneth Marcos 
The sound of tiny feet running across playgrounds may soon be matched by the clink of milk cups in Manila’s public preschools. On Monday, the city government rolled out a new supplementary feeding program aimed at fighting malnutrition and stunting among over 21,000 preschoolers in the capital’s poorest communities.
Unlike typical feeding schemes that rely on commercial milk products, Manila’s initiative partners with the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Department of Health to bring fresh, locally produced milk directly from Filipino cattle farmers to urban classrooms. This approach not only ensures that children receive safe, clean, and nutritious milk but also helps support rural livelihoods.
Mayor Honey Lacuna Domagoso emphasized the dual benefits of the program. “We chose fresh, safe, and clean milk produced by our local farmers in the Philippines,” she said, underlining the city’s commitment to both child nutrition and the local dairy industry.
NDA Administrator Atty. Marcus Andaya praised Manila for leading the way. He noted that it is the first local government unit in the country to use locally sourced milk for a preschool supplemental feeding program. The collaboration aims to create a sustainable supply chain linking urban nutrition needs with rural agricultural production.
Experts say malnutrition and stunting remain pressing challenges in the Philippines. According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, around 30% of Filipino children under five suffer from stunted growth, often due to inadequate nutrition during the critical early years. Programs like Manila’s milk initiative can help bridge this gap by providing essential nutrients that support growth, immunity, and cognitive development.
Parents and teachers have welcomed the move, seeing it as a tangible step toward healthier futures for children. Schools involved in the program will integrate milk distribution into daily meal routines, ensuring that preschoolers receive a consistent source of high-quality nutrition.
The city government also hopes that this program will inspire other local governments to adopt similar models, linking urban nutrition efforts with rural agriculture. By strengthening local supply chains, Manila’s initiative demonstrates how addressing malnutrition can go hand in hand with supporting Filipino farmers.
As the first cups of fresh milk reach classrooms, the city underscores a simple but powerful message: feeding the body can also feed the nation’s future.
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