Lawmakers finalized the provisions of the proposed National Children’s Nutrition Act this month, establishing an expanded National Children’s Nutrition Program designed to tackle stunting among Filipino children, according to a statement released on Friday by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2).
Repealing Republic Act No. 11037 for a Life-Stage Approach
The newly approved bicameral conference committee measure repeals Republic Act No. 11037, replacing it with a comprehensive framework that Edcom 2 describes as adopting a life-stage approach to addressing malnutrition. Stunting currently affects one in four Filipino children, while only a quarter of children under five years old meet recommended energy intake levels. Edcom 2 notes that chronic undernutrition during a child’s first 1,000 days commonly causes stunting, which is linked to poorer educational outcomes and irreversible cognitive damage.
Under the terms of the proposed legislation, distinct government agencies receive specific operational mandates for different age groups. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, working alongside local government units, will conduct supplemental feeding programs for children aged two to under five years old. This coverage extends to daycare centers, supervised neighborhood play, and both community and home-based programs.
Did You Know? The newly finalized National Children’s Nutrition Act formally repeals Republic Act No. 11037, which previously established the National Feeding Program for undernourished children.
Department of Education Feeding Mandates and Pregnancy Support
The Department of Education assumes responsibility for school-based feeding initiatives. Public school students from kindergarten to Grade 3 will receive meals regardless of their nutritional status, while undernourished learners in Grades 4 through 6 will receive targeted feeding support.
The measure also expands feeding coverage to pregnant adolescent learners. These students will receive fortified meals alongside micronutrient supplementation, including iron, folic acid, calcium, and other multiple micronutrients as needed. The Department of Education may also extend the program to cover vulnerable or undernourished students belonging to Indigenous Peoples groups, as well as students enrolled in schools covered by the government voucher program.
We wanted to be specific about who is responsible at every stage of a child’s life,
said Senator Bam Aquino, Edcom 2 co-chair, adding that identifying different feeding programs ensures that an accountable agency supports the child at every developmental stage.
Funding adjustments for meal programs
Beyond direct meal distribution, the proposed measure mandates regular growth and nutrition monitoring, micronutrient supplementation, a supplementary milk program, and structured nutrition education. Program funding for meals will undergo annual adjustments based on inflation rates and recommendations from the National Nutrition Council of the Department of Health, alongside the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology.
Pasig Representative Roman Romulo, who also serves as Edcom 2 co-chair, raised concerns regarding financial allocation. We need to ensure that the budget allocated for feeding translates into meals that meet the nutritional needs of children,
Romulo said, noting that once maintenance and operating expenses are deducted, the remaining funds might prove insufficient for adequate meals.
Questions about the National Children's Nutrition Act
Which law does the National Children’s Nutrition Act repeal?
The newly finalized measure repeals Republic Act No. 11037, which previously established the National Feeding Program for undernourished children.
Which government agencies oversee the supplemental feeding for toddlers?
The Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units conduct supplemental feeding for children aged two to under five years old in daycare centers, supervised neighborhood play, and community or home-based programs.
What specific supplements do pregnant adolescent learners receive under the bill?
Pregnant adolescent learners receive fortified meals and micronutrient supplementation, which includes iron, folic acid, calcium, and multiple micronutrients as needed.
How will local government units and school divisions manage the transition from the previous feeding framework to the newly mandated life-stage responsibilities?
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