School-based feeding program in the Province of Iloilo: A model analysis

Abstract

This study intended to assess the status of the ETCFP, determine its performance, identify areas for improvement, and recommend measures to be taken to enhance the program implementation. Descriptive correlational research design was adopted. Data gathering was conducted for a total of 436 learners from the selected public schools in the province of Iloilo where Project ETC operated a feeding program. The stratified random sampling method was used to ensure proportionate representation. The frequency count, percentage, and mean were employed for descriptive statistics. The t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson's r were used for inferential statistics at .05 level of significance. Before and after FP, most of the learners had normal NS. However, there was a decline in the percentage of N. On the other hand, there was a slight reduction in the percentage SW. The target of DepEd to rehabilitate 70% of the SW to N was not achieved. Meantime, there was a slight increase in the percentage of Ov learners. There was a regress of N learners to SW within Y1. Accordingly, there was an increase in the percentage of SW and W. However, for Y2, there was an increase in the percentage of N and Ov and a corresponding decrease in SW and W. Only one school was able to submit the data on grades. Even before FP, the grades of the N learners were already higher than those of W learners (82.48 against 78.33). The same was true after FP (82.44 against 78.00). However, there was a decrease in the grades of both learners. The SW and W received meals from DepEd (consistent with DepEd DO 39 s. 2017) and Project ETC; other learners received one meal each. Correlation tests showed that the increase in the feeding frequency will enhance the NS of the learner. The model showed that sex and frequency of feeding were the predictors of the change in NS of the learners. However, for sex, this contribution was not statistically significant. Most of the learners have normal NS but this NS needs to be sustained to achieve the DepEd targets on nutritional status particularly the need to reduce the SW and prevent the regress of N to W or SW. The increase of Ov learners needs to be also addressed. Comparing the NS within the SY, there is an improvement in NS in Y2, however, it needs to be sustained. The grades of N learners are consistently higher than those of W learners. However, the good grades of N learners need to be sustained. If the NS of the learner has to be improved, the key is to increase the feeding frequency.