The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7 (DSWD FO 7) has launched an expanded implementation of the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) for Calendar Year 2026, aiming to enhance the nutrition and health of children in Central Visayas.
Key Changes in the Program
A major change this year is the increase in feeding days from 120 to 180 days. According to DSWD FO 7, this step reflects a stronger commitment to providing continuous support for the growth and development of child beneficiaries.
Intensive Orientation and Planning
During the Intensive Orientation for the CY 2026 SFP implementation on February 5, 2026, at Cebu City Hall, program staff and daycare workers from Cebu City gathered to discuss the steps and guidelines for implementing the feeding program.
The agency explained that a longer feeding intervention helps provide more consistent nutrition to children, leading to better health, higher learning capacity, and a brighter future.
Preparations and Capacity Building
Preparations for the program began in December 2025 with SFP Planning for the CY 2026 implementation. Activities included orientation for Local Government Unit (LGU) implementers on new program guidelines, operational guidelines, and proper anthropometric measurement procedures.
Capacity-building initiatives continued to strengthen program implementation. Staff participated in the Development of Case Management Tool Workshop held from March 3 to 6, 2026, in Cagayan de Oro City. This was followed by the Enhancement of the Manual of Operations and Finalization of the SFP Monitoring and Evaluation Tool via Google Meet on April 16–17, 2026.
Bidding Process for Food Items
To ensure quality, safety, and nutritional value of the food to be distributed, the program conducted bidding for Alternative Meals or Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food items on April 14, 2026, and Grocery Items on April 15, 2026.
Start of Feeding and Vision
The first day of feeding is scheduled for June 22, 2026. According to DSWD FO 7, this marks more than just the start of a new implementation; it symbolizes nurturing, care, and hope for children in need.
Under the leadership of Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero, DSWD FO 7 continues its mission to provide responsive and compassionate social protection services, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow healthy, well-fed, and ready for a better future.
