The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), conducted an Orientation on SFP Guidelines to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santiago, Agusan del Norte, on February 24, 2026.

The orientation gathered key municipal and barangay officials, social welfare and health workers, child development workers, and partner agencies to align local implementation with updated national guidelines.

The activity aims to provide updates on the legal basis of the SFP, primarily Republic Act No. 11037, which institutionalizes a national feeding program for undernourished children aged 2 to 5 enrolled in Child Development Centers (CDCs). In support of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals numbers 2 and 3, which primarily ensure the health and quality of life at all ages.

It also highlighted the changes in the duration of the feeding program implementation from 120 to 180 days in 2026, strengthened coordination among stakeholders, upheld accountability and transparency through the Transfer of Fund (TOF) scheme, and encouraged program ownership among implementers, shifting from mere compliance to commitment in improving the nutritional status of children.

In her speech, Hon. Zenaida C. Lim, Municipal Vice Mayor, highlighted the importance of the bayanihan system and cooperation in serving the children of Santiago in nurturing their growth and overall well-being.

“Ang pagpadagan sa atoang lungsod, maayo – kay maayo man ang atong mga bata. Usa ra man gyuy ginansya ug kapital ani, ang ato ra man lawas. So, foundation pa lang daan sa mga bata, ato na siyang lig-unon daan,” she added.

Further strengthening this commitment, municipal and barangay officials also pledged to contribute to the provision of equipment and the improvement of facilities that will be used in the conduct of the feeding programs. Their support reflects a shared responsibility in ensuring the effective and sustainable implementation of the SFP in the municipality.

Through this collaborative effort between DSWD Caraga and the LGU of Santiago, the program continues to uphold its goal of combating malnutrition and fostering a healthier future for children in the community.

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