By Kenneth Marcos 
ILOILO CITY – Smiles, stories, and shared hopes filled the room as teachers, social workers, and dairy farmers gathered to assess a program that brings more than just milk to Filipino children—it brings nourishment, livelihood, and hope.
The National Dairy Authority (NDA) held its Milk Feeding Implementation Review in Western Visayas on October 8, drawing active participation from DepEd Schools Division Offices (SDOs) in Region VI and the Negros Island Region (NIR), along with partners from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local milk suppliers.
The review focused on evaluating the progress and challenges of the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) and the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), both of which aim to improve the nutrition of undernourished Filipino children using locally produced fresh milk.
Strengthening Nutrition, Supporting Local Livelihoods
In a country where many families still struggle to provide nutritious food daily, these feeding programs have made a difference—especially in far-flung barangays. Children receive safe and fresh milk, while local dairy farmers and cooperatives gain steady income from supplying it.
The event also highlighted NDA’s Milk Quality Assurance protocols, which ensure that every bottle or pack given to students is safe, clean, and nutritious.
Voices from the Ground
Mr. Vicente B. Bitolinamisa III, OIC Department Manager of NDA–Western Visayas and NIR, led a workshop discussion on issues and concerns in program implementation. Participants shared real-life challenges they encountered, including logistics, storage, and distribution gaps. More importantly, they also proposed solutions based on local experiences.
Dairy suppliers present during the review also gave heartfelt testimonies on how the program has helped uplift their communities. Several shared how the consistent demand for milk provided them with livelihood opportunities, helping their families recover from the economic effects of the pandemic.
One supplier shared, “Dati po, maliit lang ang kinikita namin. Pero dahil sa programang ito, lumago ang aming produksyon at nakatulong kami sa pagpapakain sa mga bata.”
A Shared Goal for a Healthier Nation
The activity not only strengthened coordination among agencies but also reaffirmed the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing both malnutrition and rural poverty.
With continued support from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and partner agencies, the milk feeding programs aim to reach more children while empowering local dairy industries across the country.
This review is part of the government’s broader campaign for a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas, where every child is nourished, every farmer is supported, and every Filipino family is given a chance to thrive.
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