Despite rejection by the Senate of the proposed bill to provide funds, the Free Noon Meal program introduced by Rep. Herminio Teves (3rd District, Oriental Negros) has benefited thousands of elementary school pupils in the southern part of the province.

So far, a total of 62,117 Grades I-VI pupils from 202 various public elementary schools in Valencia, Bacong, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Bayawan City and Basay are enjoying the free meals given on school days.

The project was launched in July last year and was conducted only in few towns until Teves decided to cover all public elementary schools in his district.

Teves lamented that the Senate did not see the benefits of the program, such as increased daily attendance in school, reduced malnutrition problems, and enhanced classroom skills.

The project has been allocated P10 million from Teves' Priority Development Assistance Fund, and he has also shelled out personal contributions to sustain it.

With only as little as two pesos and sixty-five centavos, one pupil already gets to eat a free nutritional meal at school, Teves stressed.

The meal consists of rice, monggo beans, dried anchovies or "dilis", with iodized salt.

Parents provide the kitchen utensils and take care of the cooking.

Teves, a last-termer, said he is hoping that whoever gets to replace him will push for Senate approval of the project and that those in the province to also adopt the project.*JG

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