KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XII have officially solidified their partnership to combat child malnutrition, signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the 2026 cycle of the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP).
Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. and DSWD-12 Regional Director Loreto Cabaya led the ceremonial signing, greenlighting a P91-million fund dedicated to providing daily nutritious meals to 20,274 Day Care pupils across the province.
The program is set to commence this June, covering children enrolled in Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) groups for a period of 120 days.
Governor Tamayo emphasized that the SFP is a core component of his “Five Fundamental rights of the poor” governance, particularly in ensuring food security and health for the most vulnerable.
“Our commitment to the children of South Cotabato remains unwavering. This partnership with DSWD allows us to ensure that over 20,000 of our youngest citizens have the nutritional foundation they need to grow, learn, and succeed. By investing in their health today, we are securing the future of our province,” Governor Tamayo stated.
Regional Director Loreto Cabaya lauded the provincial government’s proactive stance, noting that South Cotabato consistently serves as a model for efficient program implementation.
“The DSWD is proud to collaborate with an LGU that treats nutrition as a top priority. This P91-million allocation is more than just a budget; it is a lifeline that ensures our Day Care learners receive at least one-third of their daily recommended energy and nutrient intake through fortified, locally sourced meals,” Cabaya added.
To ensure the effectiveness of the feeding program, the Provincial Nutrition Office has developed a specialized menu plan. Unlike standard feeding initiatives, the South Cotabato SFP utilizes a diverse rotation of meals designed by professional nutritionists to be both palatable for children and rich in essential micronutrients.
Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Rudy S. Jimenea highlighted the technical preparation behind the upcoming rollout.
“We aren’t just serving meals; we are delivering targeted nutrition. Our team has crafted a menu that utilizes indigenous and locally produced food to ensure freshness and sustainability. We have ensured that every bowl served is balanced, addressing specific deficiencies like stunting and wasting which we have been aggressively monitoring across our barangays,” Jimenea explained.
The 2026 rollout follows a successful year for the province’s nutrition programs. Recent data from the Operation Timbang Plus report showed that South Cotabato has maintained stunting and wasting rates significantly lower than the national average, a feat attributed to integrated efforts like the Sagop Bata and BATAK programs.
With the SFP scheduled to begin in June, the Provincial Government encourages parents and Child Development Workers to remain active partners in monitoring the growth and development of the beneficiaries.
