FIRST IN CORDILLERA: Santa Marcel LGU and Dep-Ed launch ‘Pilot Central Kitchen’ to combat malnutrition; 300 learners benefited

Santa Marcela, Apayao - Some 300 learners from Kindergarten to Grade VI of Santa Marcela district schools were the beneficiaries of the Pilot Central Kitchen for the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santa Marcela and the Department of Education (DepEd), which seeks to combat malnutrition in town.

Said collaborative program was launched last September 29, 2025 and was held at Santa Marcela Central Elementary School.

This is first and only facility of central kitchen in the Province of Apayao and the entire Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

According to Santa Marcela LGU, under Mayor Evelyn Martinez, the program provides 80 days of nutritious hot meals and 40 days nutri-food packs to beneficiary learners, ensuring they receive a balanced diet to support their growth and learning.

Hot meals will be served every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while Nutri- Food Packs will be distributed every Tuesday and Thursday. This consistent provision of nutritious food aims to address nutritional deficiencies and improve overall health outcomes among the students.

To facilitate the efficient preparation and distribution of meals, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was established between the schools and barangays. Additional logistical support includes the use of patrol vehicles to transport hot meals directly to schools. The program also hired cooks and helpers through the DepEd funding.

In her message, SDS Dr. Irene S. Angway, Ceso V, emphasized the transformative power of collaboration saying, "when we work together, we can create healthier and brighter future for our children. "

Mayor Martinez graced the said program, emphasizing the LGU’s dedication to student well being. The Pilot Central Kitchen showcased the synergy between the LGU, DepEd, and local communities in addressing malnutrition and promoting better health among school children.