Pangilinan proposes free breakfast program for public school students

Senatorial aspirant Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan is proposing a "Libreng Almusal" (Free Breakfast) program for all public school students from daycare to Grade 12.

If elected in the 2025 midterm elections, he vows to enlist the private sector to fund the program, emphasizing their significant role in achieving food security and justice.

Pangilinan highlighted that hunger and malnutrition significantly hinder student performance and contribute to developmental challenges.

He stressed that while the government would initiate and catalyze the program, the private sector's involvement would ensure its sustainability, citing that they contribute 80 percent of the country's GDP.

The proposal aims to connect at least half of the program's food supply to local farmers and fisherfolk, boosting rural economies and encouraging farm-to-school initiatives.

His Sagip Saka Act would complement the program by allowing government agencies to buy directly from farmers and fisherfolk.

Pangilinan also addressed rising poverty and food prices, citing a December 2024 Social Weather Stations survey indicating that 63 percent of families consider themselves poor, the highest level in 21 years.