Baguio City, Philippines — A school feeding initiative funded by the Fernando-Rosa Bautista (FRB) Foundation has been found to improve students’ health, school attendance, and learning engagement. The findings were reported in a 2026 study by Angelica Corpuz of the University of Baguio, published in the East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR).
The study highlights the growing importance of privately funded school feeding programs in supporting child welfare and education. While government-led feeding initiatives in the Philippines have been widely studied, research on foundation-supported programs remains limited.
Child malnutrition continues to affect many school-aged children in the Philippines, influencing their health, concentration, and academic performance. School feeding programs are increasingly recognized as effective interventions to address hunger while encouraging regular school participation.
To assess the impact of the FRB Foundation Feeding Program, Angelica Corpuz gathered insights from parents and teachers across ten public elementary schools in Baguio City. The study combined surveys and interviews to capture both measurable outcomes and personal experiences related to the program.
Teachers reported strong positive effects on students’ academic engagement. According to their observations, children became more attentive during lessons, participated more actively in classroom activities, and experienced fewer learning disruptions caused by hunger.
The program was also associated with improvements in student health and nutrition. Teachers noted that learners appeared more energetic, alert, and physically active after receiving regular meals. Complaints related to hunger and fatigue declined, while concentration levels improved.
School attendance also showed encouraging results. Teachers observed that students were more motivated to attend classes regularly and remain in school throughout the day. Access to meals appeared to reduce barriers that often contribute to absenteeism among vulnerable learners.
Parents shared similar views. Many reported that their children showed higher energy levels, improved focus on homework, and fewer complaints about hunger at home. Although parents were somewhat more cautious in linking the program directly to academic achievement, they acknowledged its positive contribution to their children’s overall well-being.
The research also revealed substantial economic benefits for participating households. Nearly 69 percent of surveyed families reported monthly incomes below 10,000 Philippine pesos. More than 61 percent of parents said the feeding program helped reduce household food expenses, easing financial pressure on low-income families.
Health improvements emerged as the strongest factor shaping parental perceptions of the program. More than two-thirds of respondents identified better child health as the primary reason for viewing the initiative positively. In addition, over 71 percent of parents reported that their children attended school more regularly after joining the program.
According to Angelica Corpuz of the University of Baguio, the effectiveness of feeding programs depends not only on food provision but also on collaboration among schools, families, and communities. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement were identified as key elements supporting long-term program sustainability.
The study also identified opportunities for improvement. Parents and teachers recommended increasing meal variety, ensuring a more consistent food supply, strengthening student monitoring systems, and encouraging greater parental participation in program activities.
The findings suggest that privately funded feeding initiatives can complement government efforts to address child malnutrition and educational inequality. With sustained support and effective management, similar programs could play a significant role in improving both health and educational outcomes for children from disadvantaged households.
Author Profile
Research Source
Article Title: Perception of Parents and Teachers on the Fernando-Rosa Bautista Foundation Feeding Program
Author: Angelica Corpuz
Journal: East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR), Vol. 5 No. 5
Publication Year: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i5.141
Journal URL: https://journaleajmr.my.id/index.php/eajmr
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