The Extent Implementation of School Based Feeding Program: An Assessment among Elementary Schools in Kabugao District II,Philippines

Abstract

In the Philippines, childhood malnutrition is still a major problem, especially in areas that are economically and geographically deprived. Under the direction of the Department of Education, the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) seeks to increase schoolchildren's attendance and academic achievement while also addressing undernutrition. During the 2022–2024 academic year, this study evaluated the degree of SBFP implementation and its effects in 13 public elementary schools located in Kabugao District II, Apayao, Philippines. Its particular objectives were to assess the nutritional condition of beneficiaries both before and after the program, as well as to examine variations in program implementation among school categories, staff profiles, and parental engagement. Data were gathered from 103 respondents—including school heads, instructors, and PTA officers—using a descriptive survey approach and validated questions that were modified from DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2017 with the addition of unofficial interviews. Frequency, mean, standard deviation, one-way ANOVA, and t-tests were used to examine quantitative data. SBFP was largely implemented. Program reporting and supplementary activities were only partially completed, while core activities like proper eating, food safety, and life skills training were successfully carried out. The number of teachers, school type (primary vs. complete), and school categorization (monograde vs. multigrade) all had a significant impact on implementation, but neither did the number of PTA officers or school leaders. Following implementation, the number of severely wasted and wasted students dropped from 71 to 49, indicating a slight improvement in nutritional outcomes. The need for additional program modification is indicated by the fact that the change was not statistically significant (p = 0.303). Comparison research showed that because comprehensive and multigrade schools had superior staffing and resources, they were able to execute their programs at higher levels. Implementation was more difficult at schools with fewer teachers or that were primary or monograde, which probably had an impact on nutritional results. Additionally, the degree of adoption was not substantially impacted by the number of PTA and school heads, underscoring the significance of operational systems over structural headcounts. Insufficient meal facilities, inadequate utensils, a lack of staff, and poor parental involvement were major obstacles, especially in rural and monograde schools where teachers frequently handled the program's operating duties. Furthermore, the collaborative model that is necessary for program success was weakened because many parents were unable to fulfill their agreed-upon participation commitments because of conflicting duties. In conclusion, even though Kabugao District II's SBFP has excellent foundational implementation, its nutritional impact is still restricted in the absence of strong stakeholder engagement, sufficient infrastructure, and reliable implementation. Increased funding flexibility, daily milk supplementation, dual SBFP coordinators, integration of Barangay Health Workers for monitoring, and improved community engagement through LGU-partnered resolutions are all suggested by the study as ways to improve program effectiveness. These enhancements are necessary to maintain and expand the beneficial impacts of the SBFP on long-term development outcomes, educational participation, and child health.