In many rural areas in the Philippines, getting an education is not just about having classrooms and teachers. It is also about how far students have to travel, their daily struggles, and the need for enough food.
At Buhawen Elementary School, a caring and practical program was launched, funded by the school’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), to provide free lunches to students who live far from the school. Some children have to walk for 2 to 3 hours each day just to get to class. This program aims to end hunger, poor nutrition, and student absenteeism, ensuring no child is left behind because of distance or poverty.
Buhawen Elementary School has students from faraway and hilly places. Many of these children get up before sunrise to get ready for their long trip to school. Some cross rivers, walk on rough roads, and face changing weather. When they finally reach their classrooms, they are already tired. For families on a tight budget, packing meals every day is hard. Because of this, many students come to school without enough food, which affects their focus and health.
Seeing these problems, the school leaders chose to use some of their MOOE funds to start a free lunch program. MOOE is meant to help public schools with their daily needs, and Buhawen Elementary School used this money in a smart and caring way. The program mainly helps students who live two to three hours from school and those who need better nutrition.
The main goal of the program is to fight hunger and poor nutrition. The Department of Education says that good nutrition is very important for students to do well in school and grow properly. When children are hungry, it is hard for them to pay attention, join in, and learn well. Not getting enough nutrition can make them more likely to get sick, prevent them from growing, and impair their ability to think and learn. By providing free, healthy lunches, the school helps students regain their energy and stay healthier.
The feeding program also helps lower the number of students missing school.Before, some students would skip school because they were too weak to walk long distances without food. Others would stay home to help their families rather than go hungry at school. Knowing they will get a warm meal, students are now more eager to come to class. Teachers have seen better attendance and more students joining in since the program started.
The meals given in the program are simple but healthy. School staff plans the menu to include rice, vegetables, and protein when they can. Because the community cares about health and the environment, vegetables are sometimes bought from nearby or given by parents and other community members. Meals are made following good hygiene and safety rules to keep students safe.
Besides giving good food, the program helps students feel cared for and that they belong. When students know the school understands their problems and helps them, they feel more connected to their education. It shows that the school is not just for learning but is also a place that cares for its children.
Parents have shown great thanks for this effort. For families living far away, daily spending is often only for basic needs. The feeding program makes things easier for them and lets them know their children will not go hungry while at school. This teamwork between the school and families builds trust and helps everyone work together in the community.
Teachers have also seen good changes. Students who used to look tired or uninterested now have more energy and pay closer attention. Class discussions are more lively, and students participate in activities with greater confidence. Schoolwork has slowly improved as students attend more often and focus better in class. The program also shows the important values of kindness, fairness, and giving everyone a chance in education. Every child should have the same chance to learn, no matter how far they live from school or how little their family has. By using MOOE funds in a smart way, Buhawen Elementary School shows good leadership and a strong promise to care for students.
Over time, the feeding program helps students do better in school and become healthier and stronger. Good nutrition helps children grow, stay sharp, and feel more balanced. When children have enough to eat and are cared for, they are more likely to stay in school and finish their studies.
The free lunch program at Buhawen Elementary School is a great example of how a simple but important idea can make a big difference. With good planning, teamwork, and genuine care for students, the school has made real progress in addressing hunger, poor nutrition, and student absenteeism. More than just giving food, the program gives hope that every child, no matter how far they have to travel, can move toward a better future with strength, respect, and opportunity.