The Status of Implementation of the School-Based Feeding Program in all Public Elementary School Recipients in SDO Laguna with the Crafted Localized Policy: A Basis for the SGOD Monitoring and Evaluation System

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) accompanied by the localized policy has been implemented in Schools Division Office of Laguna since August 2018. It is a system that aims to provide guidance to all public schools in the proper utilization and liquidation of funds; ensure the optimal use of fund sources by preparing and submitting the required documents as stated in DO No. 39, s. 2017; support the SBFP through the 35% canteen share allocated for the feeding program through milk feeding, purchase of fruits and additional meal to help improve the nutritional status of pupils who are identified as wasted and severely wasted; and institutionalize mechanisms in the observance of Transparent, Ethical, Accountable (TEA) governance; an advocacy of Region IV-A CALABARZON.

METHODS

This research was conducted using a mixed method. Quantitative research was applied where purposive sampling was employed; 253 public elementary schools were selected as 2018 SBFP implemented schools. To authenticate the data, qualitative research was also employed. Direct interview from stakeholders in the field and the use of SBFP monitoring tool gave value to this study to authenticate the data being collected.

RESULTS

The data collected by the school nurses, consolidated by the Division SBFP Coordinator and interpreted by the PSDS/Division SBM Coordinator showed that out of 24,725 SBFP target beneficiaries in the elementary, there was a significant improvement of 9,354 (37.83%) pupils under Normal Nutritional Status (NS) during the midline weighing in September 2018 and an improvement of 16,974 (68.65%) pupils under Normal Nutritional Status (NS) during the end line weighing in December 2018.

DISCUSSIONS

The SBFP localized policy is a division initiated-project of SDO Laguna. The SGOD OIC Chief is the proponent of this program. It consisted of tools such as attestations; with SBFP-related documents like Monthly Accomplishment Reports and Program Completion Report required for ISO integration of the SDO Laguna.

The 68.65% improvement is still below the 70% target of the SBFP. This may be attributed to SBFP focal person work assignments, compliance to cycle menu, weighing error, and stakeholder support. thus, it is recommended that pupils who are not gaining weight or be at the normal status shall be referred to the health personnel for further assessment,a reiteration of the program for the concerned parents, and close monitoring of the program using the SBFP monitoring and evaluation system.