The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga has successfully concluded the 14th cycle of its Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) in 2024, surpassing its goals for hot meal distribution and fully achieving its targets for fresh milk supplementation. This accomplishment underscores the program’s commitment to improving the nutritional well-being of at-risk children in the Caraga region.
Over the course of the cycle, the SFP served 77,854 children with hot meals, exceeding its target by achieving 102.72% of its goal. Additionally, the program provided fresh milk to 5,885 children, reaching 100% of its target.
“We are incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and the strong support from our Local Government Unit (LGU) partners, which enabled us to surpass our meal target and reach every child targeted for milk supplementation,” said Lea Alegarbes, Nutritionist-Dietitian III and SFP Focal Person for DSWD Field Office Caraga.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite its success, the program faced notable challenges during its implementation. One significant issue is the current budget allocation of ₱15.00 per meal, which program implementers acknowledge may be insufficient to achieve optimal weight gain and nutritional recovery. Additionally, lengthy local procurement processes, often taking 3-5 months due to supplier availability and complex bidding procedures, posed logistical hurdles.
To address these challenges, the DSWD Field Office Caraga SFP Unit collaborated closely with suppliers and LGUs, maximizing available resources and minimizing disruptions.
Looking Ahead: Key Initiatives for 2025
As the SFP moves into 2025, it is rolling out a series of improvements and new initiatives aimed at enhancing its impact. These efforts focus on four key areas:
- Streamlining Procurement: Procurement of goods will transition to a regional approach, reducing delays and ensuring timely implementation at the start of the school year in June.
- Enhancing Support Services: The program’s “WE CARE” initiative will expand with the hiring of additional social workers, broadening program coverage and improving referral systems. This includes connecting families with essential services such as health check-ups, counseling, and parental skills training.
- A Holistic Approach to Nutrition: Recognizing the complex social factors underlying malnutrition, the SFP will combine nutrition-specific activities (e.g., meal feeding) with nutrition-sensitive interventions. These include addressing poverty, education access, and other social determinants of health, creating a more supportive environment for children’s growth.
“In line with the directive of Secretary Rex Gatchalian to address the root causes of malnutrition, we aim to create sustainable improvements in children’s health and well-being,” Alegarbes explained.
New Community-Based Initiatives
The SFP is also introducing innovative community-driven strategies:
- Community Organizing: This initiative will strengthen backyard gardening practices and enhance the skills of Day-care Service Parents Groups to promote healthy nutrition at home.
- Referrals: The program will establish stronger pathways to government offices and NGOs for medical interventions, such as deworming and micronutrient supplementation, and for livelihood and skills training opportunities for parents and caregivers.
- Stakeholder Training: Comprehensive orientations and training sessions will be conducted for stakeholders, including LGU officials, daycare workers, parents, and community volunteers, to ensure effective implementation of new initiatives.
A Commitment to Combating Malnutrition
The DSWD Field Office Caraga’s Supplementary Feeding Program remains steadfast in its mission to combat malnutrition through a comprehensive, community-driven approach. By addressing both immediate nutritional needs and the broader social factors contributing to malnutrition, the program aims to create lasting improvements in the health and well-being of Caraga’s children.
With its 2025 initiatives, the SFP is poised to make a significant and sustainable impact, ensuring that more children in the region can grow and thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment.
