Senator Aquino's ‘Libreng Pagkain sa Paaralan’ Bill passes bicam, inches closer to law

The proposed measure guaranteeing free and nutritious meals to public school students from Kindergarten to Grade 3 has moved closer to becoming law following its approval by the bicameral conference committee, announced principal sponsor Senator Bam Aquino.

Aquino, who led the Senate contingent as chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education, hailed the final version of the National Children’s Nutrition Program Act—popularly known as Libreng Pagkain sa Paaralan—as a vital breakthrough in addressing both malnutrition and the nation's learning crisis.

"Itinuturing itong pinakamahalagang panukala na maipapasa natin ukol sa edukasyon," Aquino said. "Malaking hakbang ito sa pagtugon sa malnutrition at krisis sa edukasyon. Mas madaling matuto ang ating mga anak kapag may laman ang kanilang mga sikmura at nabibigyan ng tamang nutrisyon habang nag-aaral."

Under the consolidated bill, all Kindergarten to Grade 3 pupils in public schools nationwide will receive free, daily nutritious meals. The program will also cover nutritionally deficient students in Grades 4 through 6.

Crucially, the bicameral committee expanded the program’s timeline from the previous 120-day limit to cover the entire academic year, ensuring continuous nutritional support for students. Aquino noted that the measure adopts a holistic, "life-stage" approach to nutrition, reinforcing health support from early childhood and pregnancy into basic education.

Beyond boosting classroom learning, Aquino emphasized the economic relief the measure brings to struggling families.

"Malaking ginhawa rin ito para sa mga magulang na araw-araw na nagsisikap para mapag-aral ang kanilang mga anak at may maihaing pagkain sa mesa," Aquino added. "Malaking kabawasan sa kanilang alalahanin at gastusin kapag may libre at masustansyang pagkain ang mga bata sa paaralan."

The senator expressed gratitude to his counterparts in both chambers—including Rep. Roman Romulo, Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, and Rep. Gatchalian—as well as the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), led by Executive Director Karol Mark Yee, for collaborating on the bill's passage.

"Hindi natin lubos na matutugunan ang krisis sa edukasyon kung hindi rin natin tutugunan ang problema sa nutrisyon," Aquino concluded. "Tiyakin natin na ang ating mga anak ay busog, malusog, at handang matuto."

Once formally ratified by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the landmark bill will be transmitted to Malacañang for the President's signature.