SENATOR Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is proposing to divert a portion of the flood control funds to finance a Libreng Almusal (free breakfast) program aimed at addressing stunting, malnutrition, and high dropout rates among schoolchildren—while also boosting the income of agricultural workers.

“Magkano ba ang magiging kinakailangang dagdag budget na hindi lamang sa mga stunted, kung hindi sa lahat?” the senator asked.

“Base na rin doon sa ililipat yung ilang pondo ng flood control dahil ito ay malulustay lamang at hindi kailangan o kaya ay inaayos pa, ilagay natin sa ganitong klaseng programa,” he added.

Pangilinan explained that aside from improving attendance and learning outcomes, his proposal to provide free breakfast meals to public school students from Kindergarten to Senior High School would complement his 2019 Sagip Saka Act—which authorizes government agencies and LGUs to buy produce directly from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding.

Under his plan, half of the budget for the Libreng Almusal program would go to local farmers and fisherfolk, ensuring learners access fresh and nutritious food while supporting agricultural livelihoods.

He also noted that the Department of Education currently spends around ₱11.7 billion on its School-Based Feeding Program, which covers only select learners. With the additional funds realigned from flood control, Pangilinan said the government can expand this initiative into a universal breakfast program to benefit all public school students.