On its third (3^rd) year of implementation,  the Supplementary Feeding Program of DSWD starts with  Php 129,013,560 overall  funding for 82,701 Day Care Children in Region 1.

 As to funds allocation share,  Pangasinan has Php 66,443,784; Ilocos Sur, Php 26,793,480; Ilocos Norte, Php 20,242,820; and La Union, 20,070,960.00.

 For 120 days, the  provision of one additional ‘hot meal’ is expected to showcase vegetable viands which will be prepared by organized Day Care Service Parents group in all Day Care Centers. This component of the Feeding Program encourages more  children to eat delicious vegetable viands and minimize if not eliminate ‘junk foods’ served to children during recess.

 Recently, the awarding of checks to the implementing Local Government Units  was done in the four provinces of Region 1. Monitoring a rigorous financial transparency on its implementation was emphasized by OIC Assistant Regional Director for Administration Nora D. De la Paz. Hence, the  submission of on-time liquidation reports from implementing LGUs is strictly observed.

 “The Supplementary Feeding Program is expected to improve the health status of children from being malnourished to normal health status and improve parenting role performance  among the  organized parents who will be hands-on in the preparation of  ‘hot meals’ and  attend Parents Effectiveness Sessions,” De la Paz further  mentioned.  (Iryn D. Cubangbang, Information Officer II)