Pangilinan pushes free breakfast program, files his top 10 priority bills in Senate

Fernan Carigma

With the aim to curb classroom hunger while boosting the income of local farmers and fisherfolk, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has filed a bill mandating free breakfast meals for all public school learners from daycare to Grade 12, on July 3.

The proposed “Free Breakfast Program and Sustainable Agriculture Act” ensures that daily meals will be sourced directly from local producers and comply with the dietary and nutritional standards set by the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Nutrition Council (NCC).

According to the unnumbered bill, the meals must also be culturally appropriate and suited to local food preferences.

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will lead the implementation in public schools and daycare centers.

Aligning with the intent of RA 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act, at least 50 percent of all food supplies must be bought from accredited farmers, fisherfolk, or their cooperatives.

The bill comes as part of Pangilinan’s comeback bid to deliver on his 2025 midterm campaign promises, which largely focused on food security, education support, and agricultural reform.

Aside from the said bill, he also filed nine other priority bills in the opening of the 20th Congress.

The following are the other bills filed by Pangilinan:

Agricultural Land Conversion Ban Act

Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) Act 

Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act

Urban Agriculture and Vertical Farming Act 

National Mangrove and Forest Protection Act 

Department of Water Resources Act 

Resolution directing the Senate Committee on Agriculture to conduct a probe into rising food prices

Anti-Ticket Scalping Act

Confidential and Intelligence Funds Accountability Act