The DSWD, through its Field Office IV-A, capacitated 15 local government units in the CALABARZON Region last June 20-21 in Tagaytay City towards promoting community participation in the implementation of the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) in their localities.

Beginning the 14th cycle of implementation of the SFP, which will run from July to November 2024, these LGUs will pilot test the Negotiated Procurement – Community Participation scheme through transfer of feeding program funds from the DSWD to the LGU.

The community participation in the procurement of supplies for the SFP implementation will ensure that at least 30 percent of the food requirements of the implementing child development centers will be purchased from local farmers and organizations.

The SFP is the provision of hot meals for 120 days to children enrolled in child development centers. This program is implemented by the DSWD in partnership with the LGUs through their local social welfare and development offices. [with reports from CMPMartinez]