The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have introduced updated guidelines aimed at improving the implementation of the government's School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), with the goal of ensuring more efficient milk distribution to public schools while strengthening support for local dairy producers.
Formalized through a joint administrative order signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the new policy establishes measures to help ensure that milk supplied by farmers reaches schools on schedule, complies with food safety standards, and is properly monitored from procurement through delivery.
The agreement was signed during the kickoff of the SBFP in Pulilan, Bulacan, on Thursday.
Angara said the updated guidelines are intended to ensure that learners requiring nutritional supplementation receive assistance without unnecessary delays while also creating more opportunities for the country's dairy farmers.
RELATED: [DepEd Strengthens Student Helpline With Direct Mental Health Hotline Link]
Unified System for Milk Feeding Nationwide
Under the revised guidelines, DepEd, DA, the National Dairy Authority, and the Philippine Carabao Center will implement a single nationwide framework covering the planning, procurement, delivery, and monitoring of milk feeding activities. The unified approach replaces previous arrangements where implementation differed across various areas.
The order also introduces stronger quality assurance measures by standardizing inspection procedures, clearly defining the responsibilities of participating agencies, and requiring regular monitoring of program implementation.
In addition, the new system establishes uniform protocols for responding to concerns such as delayed deliveries or product quality issues, allowing agencies to address problems consistently instead of relying on varying local practices.
Support for Local Dairy Farmers
The strengthened guidelines also prioritize sourcing milk from local dairy farmers and cooperatives, helping expand market opportunities for domestic producers while supplying nutritious milk to public school learners.
The initiative supports the government's nutrition efforts under Republic Act 11037, or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act.
For 2026, the government allocated P1.848 billion for the milk feeding program under the National Dairy Authority, which provides milk to eligible public school learners nationwide.
By improving coordination among government agencies and strengthening support for local dairy producers, the enhanced School-Based Feeding Program aims to benefit both students and farmers. For Filipino families, the initiative can contribute to better child nutrition, improved learning outcomes, and stronger livelihoods for communities engaged in dairy production, reinforcing the country's long-term food security and public health goals.
RELATED: [DepEd Rolls Out Active Shooter Drills to Boost School Safety]
