The DSWD Field Office 7 has lauded partner local government units (LGUs) across Central Visayas for their outstanding implementation of the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP).
This recognition highlighted the 2025 Program Implementation Review, conducted on separate schedules per province: June 2-3 for Negros Oriental and Siquijor, June 17-18 for Cebu, and June 19-20 for Bohol.
DSWD 7 recognized the LGUs that demonstrated sustained improvements in the nutritional status of children enrolled in LGU-managed daycare centers. Specifically, local government units (LGUs) have achieved an 81% improvement in nutritional status across three consecutive program cycles, from Cycle 12 to Cycle 14, between 2022 and 2024.
These achievements were measured using key indicators that addressed stunting, wasting, and underweight. The program succeeded because of the consistent provision of hot meals and milk for at least 120 feeding days, along with continuous advocacy for proper nutrition in schools and at home.
Educational initiatives on food preparation and healthy eating habits for both children and their parents have also contributed significantly to reducing malnutrition rates in Central Visayas.
According to Ma. Romilene C. Padilla, the SFP focal person, LGUs play a critical role in the success of the program. “Beyond serving nutritious meals and milk according to the program’s menu, LGUs—together with daycare workers—actively monitor children’s health and provide other interventions for those who need it,” she explained.
LGUs also received technical assistance in data collection, monitoring, and consolidation to ensure accurate tracking of progress and outcomes and to verify that they successfully met each indicator.
On the other hand, DSWD 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero praised the strong partnership with LGUs in delivering the SFP. “Our recent achievements reflect the dedication of our LGUs in bringing the program to the grassroots. We remain committed to working hand in hand with our local partners—because, through collaboration and shared effort, we can achieve what is best for our children and our region,” she said.
Additionally, during the review, the LGUs that achieved at least 81% improvement in nutritional status for Cycle 14 (CY 2024) received special acknowledgment for their continued commitment to the program.
In Central Visayas, Cebu’s 53 LGUs served a total of 78,526 child beneficiaries, achieving a nutritional status improvement rate of 89.89%. Bohol’s 48 LGUs reached 31,591 children and recorded an improvement rate of 89.51%.
In the Negros Island Region (NIR), the provinces previously under Region 7 collectively served 21 local government units (LGUs) and 38,836 child beneficiaries. Negros Oriental achieved a nutritional improvement rate of 90.30%, while Siquijor reached 85.35%.
DSWD gave additional recognitions to LGUs that successfully complied with reportorial requirements, such as the timely submission of nutritional, liquidation, and monitoring reports, as well as those recognized as best implementers of the program.
To view the complete list of awardees, please visit the official Facebook page of DSWD Region VII.
These local government units’ accomplishments underscored their commitment to improving child nutrition and welfare in their communities. This recognition not only reflects their hard work but also serves as an inspiration for others to enhance their programs and support for child beneficiaries. ###