Rep. Herminio Teves (3rd District, Oriental Negros) plans to lobby with Congress to support his free noon meal program for elementary school pupils nationwide to cut down the dropout rate among schoolchildren.

Teves said he has expanded his program that was launched last July to cover more schools in his district.

The latest school to avail of the free meals was Lutoban Elementary School in Zamboanguita.

Teves said approval of his plan will mean regular funding to sustain and expand the program nationwide.

He said he submitted his proposal to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Initially, his pilot schools are in the towns of Valencia, Bacong, Dauin, and Zamboanguita.

He also said he is proposing that the national government, through the President, adopt the program nationwide by releasing a counterpart fund through local government units. Teves released P2 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund for the program in his district.

The program complements the fresh milk feeding program of Gov. George Arnaiz to lower malnutrition and boost class attendance among schoolchildren.*RG

back to top