Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso launched the city government’s “Yormilk: Kaagapay ng Batang Maynila sa Paglaki” program in Barangay 137, Balut, Tondo, a milk supplementation initiative aimed at improving the nutrition and growth of thousands of preschool children enrolled in public day care centers across the capital.
Speaking before parents, barangay officials, and child development workers, Domagoso said the program was designed to directly address malnutrition and stunting among children aged three to five.
The mayor cited data from the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) showing 1,593 “wasted” and “severely wasted pupils” enrolled in the city’s 467 Child Development Centers (CDCs).
In child nutrition, “wasted” and “severely wasted” refer to children who have very low weight for their height, indicating acute malnutrition, with severely wasted children falling far below healthy standards and facing a much higher risk of illness and death if not promptly treated.
“Nalulungkot ako na sa Maynila, sa Maynila mismo, sa kapitolyo ng bansa, ay lumalakas at lumalaki ang numero ng pagkabansot or stunting. Hindi dahil sa maliit ang lahi natin, kundi dahil kulang tayo ng tamang nutrisyon,” he said.
“Under the Yormilk program, a total of 21,651 preschoolers citywide will receive milk three times a week for 90 days.”
Under the Yormilk program, a total of 21,651 preschoolers citywide will receive milk three times a week for 90 days, with distribution carried out through CDCs in 436 barangays, supported by 423 child development workers, based on official MDSW records.
Domagoso emphasized the importance of milk in early childhood development, particularly for bone strength, immunity, and overall growth, noting that many families are forced by economic hardship to prioritize filling meals over nutritionally complete food.
“Mahal ang gatas. Mahal, kaya kung minsan mas nauuna nating bilhin ang mga bagay na makabubusog sa tiyan ng ating mga supling dala ng hirap ng buhay,” he said.
Domagoso also stressed that the city opted to source fresh, locally produced milk rather than imported products, in line with food safety standards and to support Filipino farmers, in coordination with national agencies including the Department of Health (DOH), the National Dairy Authority (NDA), and partner cooperatives.
“Mas minabuti ko na sariwa, ligtas, malinis, at maayos na gatas na produkto mismo ng ating mga magbabaka sa Pilipinas.”
“Mas minabuti ko na sariwa, ligtas, malinis, at maayos na gatas na produkto mismo ng ating mga magbabaka sa Pilipinas,” he said.
Drawing from his own childhood experience, Domagoso recalled benefiting from government nutrition programs during his early years in Manila, saying these interventions played a role in ensuring healthy growth among children of his generation.
“Noong araw, meron kaming Nutribun at KLIM powder milk, kaya kung bakit matitigas ang buto namin at mabilis kaming lumaki,” he said.
Domagoso assured parents that the milk program would not be a one-time effort, committing to renew the feeding cycle after every three months if necessary, even if it requires reallocating city funds.
“Kahit wala tayong pera, maghahanap ako ng pera para lang lumusog ang mga Batang Maynila,” he said.
Domagoso also reminded parents that the milk provided under the program is intended strictly for children enrolled in day care centers and is funded by public money.
“Itabi ninyo ’yan para sa anak ninyo. ’Yan ay pera nila galing sa taxpayer,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Domagoso also thanked barangay officials, partner agencies, and frontline workers for supporting the initiative, expressing hope that the program would help prepare children for formal schooling and long-term development.
“Gusto ko, mga bata, malusog kayo at tumangkad kayo agad,” he concluded.
