ABI Pascual backs school milk program until 2027

MANILA, Philippines — ABI Pascual Foods Inc. is extending its support for the Philippine government’s milk feeding program through 2027 to help sustain efforts to address malnutrition among schoolchildren nationwide.

Tycoon Lucio Tan’s dairy business announced the expanded support for this initiative, which includes purchasing about P1.26 million worth of fresh milk during the program’s initial phase.

READ: Partnership to address malnutrition, one child at a time

ABI Pascual Foods will source 10,080 liters of milk, equivalent to 50,400 bottles, from Katipunan ng Kooperatibang Manggagatas Inc., a local dairy cooperative based in Laguna and the largest dairy processing cooperative in Southern Luzon.

Under this program, 504 Kindergarten to Grade 6 beneficiaries from Malitlit Elementary School receive a 200-milliliter (ml) bottle each of fresh pasteurized local milk during their daily session.

Teachers and school health coordinators will supervise consumption and track attendance in real time.

ABI Pascual Foods extended support for this initiative months after signing an agreement with the National Dairy Authority (NDA), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the city government of Santa Rosa, covering a 100-day milk feeding program in Laguna.

ABI Pascual Foods was the first private-sector partner of the NDA’s milk feeding program.

“By expanding our commitment to the program, we ensure that these learners receive sustained nourishment needed to truly thrive in the classroom, while supporting local dairy farmers through more reliable market demand,” ABI Pascual Foods Inc. Managing Director Javier Palomino said.

“Nutrition requires consistency to make a lasting difference,” Palomino said.

Health and education stakeholders will periodically monitor progress, especially at the initiative’s 100-day mark.

Before this, student-beneficiaries underwent baseline health assessments and weight measurements to establish a reference point for monitoring progress.

READ: Marcos to local leaders: Break cycle of malnutrition in your area

This will serve as a reference for evaluating student growth, attendance, and classroom engagement throughout the program’s implementation.

“Milk feeding programs help support school-aged children’s growth and development by addressing their nutritional needs, which are essential to learning and reaching their full potential,” NDA Administrator Marcus Antonius Andaya said.

“Through partnerships with the private sector such as ABI Pascual, we can help sustain these initiatives and ensure that more Filipino learners receive the nutritional support they need to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential,” Andaya added. /pai