CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — A proposed ordinance linked to Councilor Noel Tulabut drew sharp criticism online and on the ground, with residents and community voices branding it “anti-poor and illegal” for seeking to halt privately led feeding programs in public schools while the measure remains pending before the city council.
The controversy intensified after calls surfaced urging the Department of Education–City of San Fernando to suspend school-based feeding initiatives until a local ordinance is passed, triggering accusations that the move would punish undernourished children instead of protecting them. Critics argued that private charity efforts have long helped fill urgent gaps in food support, especially for families hit by poverty and rising daily expenses.
“Hindi puede ipatigil ng isang ordinaryong konsehal ang feeding program dahil hindi pa ito naipasa sa konseho at hindi pa ito ganap na batas netizen Malou Sarmiento from Barangay Dolores said, echoing a sentiment that quickly spread across social media.
Others described the proposal as politically charged and detached from the realities faced by struggling families. “Mukhang pamumulitika ang ordinansang ito kahit nakakatulong sa mga batang kulang sa nutrisyon at sapat na pagkain dala ng kahirapan,” said Sol Dizon.
Opposition has also expanded beyond social media, with organizers of feeding drives, medical missions, and dental outreach programs reportedly preparing formal letters of protest against the proposed policy. They warned that regulation should not disrupt life-saving and community-based services already reaching vulnerable sectors.
The issue also casts attention on ongoing feeding efforts backed by the Pineda family, which have been running for six months in Pampanga’s second and third districts without cost to the government. Supporters of the program said the initiative has provided direct relief to children and families facing food insecurity, making any move to suspend such activities especially contentious. IORBITNEWS/DP