A Negrense congressman is urging President Benigno Aquino III to look for funds to continue the free noon feeding program of students through the Department of Education.

Rep. Pryde Henry Teves, (Neg. Or., 3rd District) said if the World Bank can extend a loan of P40 billion every year for the national government’s conditional cash transfer, there is no reason that the Aquino government cannot avail of a loan for the meal program.

He said the project was the brainchild of his grandfather, then Rep. Herminio Teves (Neg. Or., 3rd District), but was limited to the district.

It was adopted for nationwide implementation during the incumbency of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, but was stopped by the present administration.

Teves said the program only needs P8 billion for it to be implemented in 80 provinces all over the country.

He said he believes that the free meal program it one effective way of reducing the dropout rates, and in improving the health and nutrition of public school children.*JG

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