THE PROPOSED measure providing free and nutritious meals to public school students moved closer to becoming law following its approval by the bicameral conference committee.

Senate Committee on Basic Education Chairman Bam Aquino, who led the Senate contingent, called the final version of the National Children’s Nutrition Program Act—also known as Libreng Pagkain sa Paaralan—a significant step toward addressing malnutrition and the country’s ongoing education crisis.

Once ratified by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the consolidated measure will be transmitted to Malacañang for the President’s signature.

“Itinuturing itong pinakamahalagang panukala na maipapasa natin ukol sa edukasyon. Malaking hakbang ito sa pagtugon sa malnutrition at krisis sa edukasyon. Mas madaling matuto ang ating mga anak kapag may laman ang kanilang mga sikmura at nabibigyan ng tamang nutrisyon habang nag-aaral,” Aquino said.

Under the bill, all public school students from Kindergarten to Grade 3 will receive free, nutritious meals. The program also extends coverage to nutritionally deficient students in Grades 4 to 6.

Aquino noted that the bicameral version expands the feeding program from the previous 120-day limit to cover the entire academic year, ensuring continuous nutritional support for students.

Beyond helping students, Aquino emphasized that the initiative will bring much-needed financial relief to families.

“Malaking ginhawa rin ito para sa mga magulang na araw-araw na nagsisikap para mapag-aral ang kanilang mga anak at may maihaing pagkain sa mesa. Malaking kabawasan sa kanilang alalahanin at gastusin kapag may libre at masustansyang pagkain ang mga bata sa paaralan,” he pointed out.

The senator also highlighted the bill’s life-stage approach to nutrition, which provides support starting from pregnancy through early childhood and school years to ensure development at every stage.

Aquino expressed gratitude to his bicameral counterparts, including Reps. Roman Romulo, Jaime Fresnedi, and Kenneth Gatchalian, as well as the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) led by Executive Director Karol Yee, for pushing the measure forward.

“Hindi natin lubos na matutugunan ang krisis sa edukasyon kung hindi rin natin tutugunan ang problema sa nutrisyon.Tiyakin natin na ang ating mga anak ay busog, malusog, at handang matuto,” he added.