SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing to expand the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s supplemental feeding program from 120 to 200 days.

During the Senate Committee on Finance hearing on the DSWD’s proposed budget, Gatchalian noted that many beneficiaries suffer from the “summer slide,” where learners lose their nutrition gains after the school break.

The Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act or Republic Act No. 11037 mandates the DSWD, in coordination with LGUs, to implement supplemental feeding in daycare centers for undernourished children aged three to five.

However, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian reported that about 45 percent of LGUs are unable to access funds due to liquidation issues.

“I suggest that the department work with the DILG to streamline liquidation requirements and impose heavier penalties,” the senator said.

“We have no choice but to download the funds to the LGUs since they are the ones running the daycare centers,” he added.