QUEZON City 5th District Rep. PM Vargas has renewed his call to strengthen the implementation of Republic Act No. 11037, or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act.

Vargas said students learn better on a full stomach.

The solon, who authored House Bill No. 5681 in the current 20th Congress, said his measure seeks to expand and update the government’s nutrition program for Filipino learners to address persistent malnutrition among schoolchildren.

“Hindi puwedeng gutom ang batang nais matuto. Kung may laman ang tiyan, mas handa ang isipan,” Vargas said.

The deputy majority leader noted that despite existing feeding programs, malnutrition continues to hinder children’s education and overall development.

His proposed amendments to the law include providing fortified hot meals and milk-based supplements, as well as ensuring stronger coordination among the Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Health.

Under the proposal, these agencies would establish centralized school kitchens and promote local food sourcing to make the feeding programs more efficient and sustainable.

“Healthy learners are better learners. Mas matututo ang mga mag-aaral kung walang kumakalam na sikmura,” Vargas added, emphasizing that investment in child nutrition is an investment in national development.

He urged all sectors to collaborate in advancing child health and nutrition, saying, “Ang tunay na edukasyon ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagbabasa at pagsusulat, kundi sa pangangalaga ng kalusugan ng ating kabataan.”