SAN FERNANDO CITY– Carael Elementary School (ES) in Dagupan City is recognized as one of the best implementers of the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) for 2020-2021 in the first-ever national search.

Carael ES, headed by its principal Agnes Calicdan, landed fifth among the other regional finalists. A cash prize, certificate, and plaque from the Department of Education Bureau of Learner Support Services was received by the school administrators through the Education Support Services Division in the Regional Office.

Among the best practices include the distribution of the harvests from their gulayan sa paaralan (vegetable garden in the school) to their learners and part of the profits from their canteen is allotted for supplementary feeding to undernourished learners.

During the pandemic, the fruit pantry and distribution of food commodities to the learners was done twice a week which coincided with the distribution and retrieval of modules by the parents.

The following schools were also recognized: Popantay ES in Alaminos City, Mariano Marcos Memorial ES in Batac City, Talogtog ES in Candon City, Las-ud ES in Ilocos Sur, and Bacsil ES in Laoag City.

Other awardees were Minien-Tebag ES in the schools division of Pangasinan I, Tebag ES in Pangasinan II, Magtaking ES in San Carlos City, Nancayasan ES in Urdaneta City, and Pantay ES in Vigan City.

Meanwhile, Maricris Rimas, Nutritionist-Dietician II and regional focal for SBFP, was also recognized as top 5 for the said search, regional level.

According to her, “during this pandemic, children should still receive healthy and free nutritious meals under the government’s feeding program as their protection and in boosting their immune system.”

The virtual awarding ceremony streamed via FaceBook Live, was held on December 2, 2021. #

By: Maricris B. Rimas, ESSD  and Joanna Diaz-Sabado, PAU