The DA-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) joined the Department of Education (DepEd) in the national launch of the School Mental Health Program and kick-off of the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) hosted by the school division of Quezon City, at the Esteban Abada Elementary School, Project 7, Quezon City, on January 24, 2024.
With the theme, “Batang Matatag: Nourishing Mind and Strengthening Bodies,” DepEd emphasized that undernutrition among schoolchildren is a priority.
“Napakahalagang bigyan ng importansya ang pagpapabuti sa physical at mental na kalusugan ng mga mag-aaral. Kapag ang isang bata ay kulang sa nutrisyon, hindi matututo ‘yan,” said Sara Duterte, vice president of the Republic of the Philippines and secretary of DepEd, who served as the keynote speaker.
The event aligned with the DepEd’s MATATAG (Make the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready, Active and responsible citizens; Take steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education services and provision facilities; Take good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusiveness learning, and positive learning environment; and, Give support for teachers to teach better) agenda, which recognizes the significance of students’ physical and mental well-being in achieving their maximum potential and making significant contributions to the country.
The kick-off includes the provision of one fortified meal to all undernourished public school children from kindergarten to sixth grade over a period of not less than 120 days in a year.
The DA-PCC, through the Carabao-Based Enterprise Development (CBED)-Milk Feeding Program Unit, led the distribution of 315 sterilized carabao’s milk to the guests and participants.
