FORMER Senator Kiko Pangilinan said he plans to tap the private sector for his proposed Libreng Almusal (Free Breakfast) program for public school students, from daycare to Grade 12.

Pangilinan underscored the vital role the private sector must play in achieving food security and food justice in the country.

“Importante ang participation ng private sector… The ones with the deepest pockets are actually the private sector,” he said, explaining that while the government may initiate and catalyze programs, the private sector will ensure sustainability.

He noted that the government accounts for only 20% of the country’s gross domestic product, while the private sector produces the remaining 80%.

Pangilinan is advocating for a free breakfast program to ensure students have access to nutritious meals, noting that hunger has been a key factor affecting the learning abilities of Filipino youth.

“Dapat nangingibabaw ‘yung prayoridad na ito dahil nga may krisis sa edukasyon, ginugutom ang ating mga anak, one-third of our kids are stunted in various degrees,” he said.

He emphasized that if the program pushes through, up to half of the food served in schools will be sourced from local farmers and fisherfolk to help raise their incomes.

Pangilinan’s Sagip Saka Act—which allows national and local governments to directly purchase from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding—will complement the free breakfast initiative.

According to a December 2024 survey by the Social Weather Stations, 63% of Filipino families considered themselves poor, up four points from 59% in September.

This marks the highest level of self-rated poverty in 21 years, with the last peak recorded at 64% in November 2003.