Lawmakers have slammed the Department of Education (DepEd) over reports of expired food, moldy nutribuns, and unhygienic packaging in its P5.69-billion school-based feeding program. The issue, which affected schools in 10 out of 17 regions last year, was highlighted during the DepEd’s budget briefing before the House Committee on Appropriations on Monday.
BHW Party List Representative Angelica Natasha Co cited a Commission on Audit report that flagged the lapses in the program. ACT Teachers Party List Rep. France Castro called for an investigation and the blacklisting of erring suppliers.
“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na magde-deliver ng expired tapos ibabalik na lang. Hindi ‘yun magandang practice. At dapat maimbestigahan ito. Imagine 10 in 17 regions. So, malaki… Kailangan natin i-blacklisted ‘yun, o kailangan talaga natin ng report kaugnay diyan,” Castro said.
“’Pag gutom ang mag-aaral, hindi ‘yan makaka-concentrate at lesser chances na matuto ang isang mag-aaral. Kaya we really wanted to address the issue,” Co told the DepEd.
The DepEd acknowledged the challenges in implementing the program, particularly the local supply of milk. They assured that spoiled nutribuns and other food items will be replaced by the supplier at no cost to the government.
“‘Pag paulit-ulit na pumapalpak, pwede i-blacklist ‘yung supplier na ‘yun, and siguro maglagay ng damages provision din sa kontrata, para medyo matakot ang mga ito,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
The DepEd also welcomed the suggestion of House Committee on Appropriations Senior Vice Chairperson Stella Quimbo to include a special provision in the General Appropriations Act that will allow substitutes for milk.
“The agency is exploring other milk-related products that spoil at a slower pace, like yogurt or any other milk-infused products. However, we need to ensure these products meet DOST standards and that our suppliers are capable of providing them,” Education Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban said.
Photo Courtesy: NutriBun Philippines