The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA served a total of 64,763 children across the region in 2025 through its Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), underscoring the government’s sustained commitment to improving child nutrition, health, and early childhood development outcomes.

Implemented in partnership with 62 Local Government Units (LGUs) across the MIMAROPA Region, the program delivered nutritious meals to children aged 2–4 years enrolled in Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) and 3–4 years in Child Development Centers (CDCs) under the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) framework. The 2025 feeding cycle covered 120 feeding days, with meals served five to seven days a week.

“Through the Supplementary Feeding Program, we are not only addressing hunger but also investing in the future of our children,” said OIC Benchie B. Gonzales. “Good nutrition in the early years lays the foundation for healthy growth, better learning, and stronger communities. This accomplishment reflects the strong collaboration between DSWD, LGUs, communities, and partners who share our commitment to child welfare.”

Children received hot meals and hot snacks prepared using indigenous and locally sourced food ingredients, ensuring age-appropriate nutrition while supporting local producers. As part of enhanced interventions for undernourished children, fresh milk was also provided to help address nutritional gaps and improve overall dietary intake.

In support of the government’s Zero Hunger agenda, DSWD MIMAROPA partnered with five community-based organizations (CBOs) through the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program, strengthening community participation in food production and ensuring a more sustainable supply of nutritious ingredients.

Complementing the SFP, DSWD MIMAROPA also successfully implemented the 14th Cycle Milk Feeding Program, which served 6,697 undernourished children in 17 LGUs, contributing significantly to improvements in children’s nutritional status in vulnerable communities.

Key enhancements to the 2025 implementation included an increase in the per-meal cost to PHP 25 from PHP 15, and PHP 22 per serving for fresh milk, enabling the provision of higher-quality meals while supporting local suppliers and partner organizations. Feeding operations were managed by parents and caregivers, under the guidance of LGUs and DSWD, using cycle menus developed by Registered Nutritionist-Dietitians to ensure balanced and nutritious meals.

Through the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), DSWD MIMAROPA continues to combat malnutrition, strengthen Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) outcomes, and advance the government’s Zero Hunger agenda by providing additional nutritious food to eligible children enrolled in Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) and Child Development Centers (CDCs).

These efforts help ensure healthier starts and holistic development for children across the MIMAROPA Region and to further expand the reach and impact of the program, DSWD MIMAROPA calls on non-government organizations (NGOs) and private sector partners to collaborate in strengthening the Supplementary Feeding Program and supporting improved child nutrition and well-being throughout the region.