By Junex Doronio
CLAIMING TO EMPATHIZE with the public school students who usually go to school with an empty stomach, Davao City Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has filed a bill that will pour P5 billion funds into local farmers who will provide free nutritious meals for children attending public schools and daycare centers.
Touted as a strong senatorial contender in 2025, the oldest son of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte authored House Bill 9331 which will benefit both local farmers and public school students.
“Many of our young students go to school with an empty stomach. Given the family’s tight budget, they are left with no choice but to endure their hunger for the whole day. But it becomes more difficult, as they need nourishment to learn effectively and participate actively in school,” Cong Pulong said in a Facebook post last Monday, Nov. 6.
Octa Research fellow Guido David earlier said that Pulong could be a viable candidate in the next Senate elections as he has been consistently included in the Magic 12 list of senatorial candidates, ranking 9 to 12, in recent surveys.
Cong Pulong stressed that a guaranteed market for farmers fund amounting to P5 billion will be established for the government acquisition.
The young Duterte said he recognized the importance of nutritious foods to fuel students’ learning.
“To address this problem, we have filed House Bill No. 9331, providing free food for children in public schools and daycare centers from products of farmers purchased by the government,” he said.
Aside from feeding the students, Cong Pulong added that farmers stand to benefit from the bill since the government will be mandated to buy the produce of local farmers.
(ai/mnm)
