SENATOR Bam Aquino said the proposed *Libreng Pagkain sa Paaralan* program will not only provide free and nutritious meals to public school learners but also help ease the financial burden on parents struggling to meet their families’ daily needs.

Aquino explained that the proposed National Children’s Nutrition Act, also known as *Libreng Pagkain sa Paaralan*, will help families save on their children’s daily food expenses, allowing them to allocate more of their household income to other essential needs.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and principal sponsor of the measure, Aquino appealed for public support to ensure its passage and adequate funding.

“Sa mga magulang na araw-araw nagsisikap para maitaguyod ang kanilang pamilya, gusto po naming makatulong at makabawas sa inyong pinoproblema,” Aquino said.

“Magsama-sama po tayo upang ito’y mapasa at mapondohan nang sapat at tama sa susunod na taon,” he added.

The bicameral conference committee has approved the proposed measure, which Aquino described as a significant step toward addressing child malnutrition and the country’s education crisis.

The bill seeks to provide free meals to public school learners from Kindergarten to Grade 3. It also extends nutrition assistance to children covered by the Early Childhood Care and Development System, nutritionally deficient learners from Grades 4 to 6, and pregnant women.

The program may also be expanded to cover other vulnerable groups requiring nutritional support.

“Kasama rin po ang suporta sa nutrisyon para sa mga nangangailangan, mula sa mga buntis na nanay, sanggol at toddler hanggang sa mga undernourished na bata na nag-aaral,” Aquino said.

Following the bicameral conference committee’s approval, the measure will be submitted for ratification by both the Senate and the House of Representatives before being transmitted to Malacañang for the President’s signature.

Aquino stressed that addressing hunger and malnutrition is essential to ensuring that children remain healthy, are better prepared to learn, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

“Sa Libreng Pagkain sa Paaralan, mas maraming bata ang lalaking busog, malusog, handang matuto at kayang abutin ang kanilang mga pangarap,” he said.