PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the government will further enhance the school feeding programs as it had shown a “significant impact” on the physical and mental well-being of students.

Marcos mentioned this in his speech during his third State of the Nation Address.

“Our convergent programs to stamp out hunger and malnutrition were not only successfully launched, but have yielded inspiring results thus far,” he said.

“One survey confirmed that our expanded School-Based Feeding Program has had a significant impact on the physical and mental well-being of more than half of the learner-beneficiaries. Therefore, we will continue to further enhance these feeding programs in our schools and day-care centers,” the Chief Executive added.

Under the school-based feeding program, undernourished children from Kindergarten to Grade 6 are given deworming tablets, fed fortified meals, and given vitamins for 120 days in the school year.

Marcos also said the government would prioritize vaccination, especially for babies and kids.

“As part of our recalibrated health approach towards prevention and healthy habits, we are prioritizing vaccinations, nutrition, mental well-being, and active and healthy lifestyles.”

“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating paghahabol sa pagbabakuna ng mga sanggol at ng mga bata — lalo na sa Region 6 at sa BARMM, kung saan kulang pa sa kalahati ang nababakunahan,” Marcos said.