The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) distributes nutritious food to a total of 3,166 daycare learners and children in some supervised neighborhood play areas in Cotabato City on Nov. 7, 2023. (Photo courtesy of MSSD)
COTABATO CITY—A total of 3,116 nursery pupils were given food assistance on Nov. 7 by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) through the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP).
SFP, a nationally funded initiative implemented by the MSSD, aims to supply nutritious food to daycare learners aged 2 to 5 or children in supervised neighborhood play areas, supporting their continuous nutritional development.
In an effort to enhance the overall well-being of indigent Bangsamoro children, the MSSD, in collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD XII), distributed food items to 36 barangays and 70 Child Development Centers (CDCs) and Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP) areas in Brgy. Rosary Heights VII in this city.
The distributed nutritious foods included pasteurized milk, frozen and dried goods, canned items, and bread.
On Nov. 12, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim underscored the Government of the Day’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare, rights, and health of Bangsamoro children.
“The Bangsamoro Government remains committed to fostering an enabling environment and empowering children where they feel valued, safe, and equipped to pursue their passions,” Ebrahim stated.
These initiatives are aligned with the celebration of the 31st National Children’s Month (NCM) in the entire Philippines, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10661, which declared November of every year as National Children’s Month.
Likewise, ensuring access to healthy and balanced meals for the growth of the indigent Bangsamoro children through the SFP is in accordance with the 7th priority of CM Ebrahim’s Enhanced 12-Point Priority Agenda, centered on boosting responsiveness and timeliness of social protection services. (Johamin Inok/BIO with reports from MSSD)
