SENATOR  Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is urging private sector support to boost funding and reach for his Libreng Almusal initiative, which aims to fight child hunger and improve learning outcomes in public schools nationwide.

He stressed the importance of nutritious meals for childhood development and academic performance, while noting the program’s funding gaps.

“Pwede rin sa technical working group mapag-aralan yung corporate social responsibilities ng mga Jollibee, McDonald’s in areas where they are present. They can be part of the effort because they have the resources,” Pangilinan said.

The senator added that public-private synergy could strengthen the program through food donations, logistics, sponsorships, and volunteer work.

The proposal is being studied in a joint hearing of the Senate committees on Basic Education, Agriculture, Local Government, and Finance. Pangilinan’s Senate Bill No. 219, or the Libreng Almusal Act, seeks to provide free breakfast meals for kindergarten to senior high school students in public schools.

He also cited models in Europe where food donations to charities are mandated, suggesting tax incentives for private sector contributions to school feeding programs.

The measure complements his advocacy on food security and child welfare. Part of the program’s budget will be used to purchase produce directly from farmers and fisherfolk under the 2019 Sagip Saka Act, which Pangilinan authored.