PHOTO CREDIT: CONGRESS PH

Speaker of the House Faustino Dy III is urging Congress to fast-track the passage of a bill that would expand the country's school feeding program, saying better nutrition is essential to improving the health, education, and future of Filipino children.

The appeal comes as the country celebrates National Nutrition Month and faces renewed concerns over child malnutrition. According to the latest survey by the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), the Philippines' child stunting rate increased to 25.3 percent in 2025, highlighting the need for stronger and more comprehensive nutrition programs.

Dy, one of the principal authors of House Bill No. 9466, said the proposed National Nutrition Program is among the priority measures identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) for immediate legislative action. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives before the close of the First Regular Session and is now awaiting Senate action.

The measure seeks to expand Republic Act No. 11037, or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, into a nationwide nutrition program that would provide broader feeding and health interventions for children and other nutritionally vulnerable groups.

Under the proposal, the program would cover all learners from Kindergarten to Grade 3, undernourished students from Grades 4 to 12, nutritionally at-risk pregnant learners, children with disabilities, Indigenous learners, and other vulnerable sectors. It also includes maternal nutrition services, micronutrient supplementation, milk feeding, sanitation and hygiene initiatives, nutrition education, and support for local farmers and fisherfolk to help strengthen food security.

Marking National Nutrition Month, Dy emphasized that every Filipino child deserves access to nutritious food, quality education, and the opportunity to build a better future. He said improving nutrition is not only a health concern but also an investment in children's learning, dignity, and long-term success.

Dy also noted that expanding the country's school-based nutrition program was among the first priority measures approved by the House during the 20th Congress, reflecting lawmakers' commitment to addressing hunger and malnutrition at an early age.

This year's National Nutrition Month carries the theme, "Nutrisyon at Kalikasan, Ating Pangalagaan!", highlighting the link between environmental protection, food security, and public health. Dy said protecting the country's natural resources is also vital to ensuring a sustainable food supply and safeguarding the well-being of future generations.

He likewise called on families, schools, local government units, and communities to work together in promoting proper nutrition and environmental stewardship, stressing that collective action is essential to ensuring that no Filipino child is left behind and that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.