Why Manila Is Giving Free Milk to Thousands of Preschoolers

In response to rising malnutrition rates, Manila rolls out a free milk program for children enrolled in local day care centers

Growing up, many of us were reminded time and again to drink our milk—for strong bones, healthy teeth, and proper growth. But as parents know all too well, making sure children get the right nutrients isn’t always easy, especially now that basic commodities, milk included, continue to rise in price.

This is a reality Manila Mayor Isko Moreno knows personally. Having grown up in Tondo, he understands how access to proper nutrition can shape a child’s future. On Tuesday, January 13, Moreno led the launch of Yormilk: Kaagapay ng Batang Maynila sa Paglaki, a city-wide milk feeding program held in Balut, Tondo. The initiative aims to support the growth and nutrition of thousands of preschoolers enrolled in Manila’s Child Development Centers (CDCs).

Addressing Malnutrition in the City

The Yormilk program was developed following data from the Manila Department of Social Welfare, which showed that 1,593 children enrolled in the city’s 467 CDCs are considered “wasted” or “severely wasted.” This classification refers to children who have very low weight for their height—a sign of acute malnutrition that puts them at higher risk for illness and developmental delays if left unaddressed.

Hearing these numbers, Moreno admitted feeling deeply saddened.

“Nalulungkot ako na sa Maynila, sa Maynila mismo—sa kabisera ng bansa—ay lumalaki ang bilang ng mga batang bansot o stunted. Hindi dahil sa maliit ang lahi natin, kundi dahil kulang tayo sa tamang nutrisyon,” he shared in a statement.

Through Yormilk, the city government aims to provide milk to 21,000 preschoolers, three times a week, over a period of 90 days. Distribution will take place in CDCs across 436 barangays, based on records identifying children most in need.

Supporting Local Farmers, Too

While milk remains a costly commodity, Moreno stressed that its price would not deter the city from addressing children’s nutritional needs. Recognizing the importance of milk in early childhood development, the city partnered with the Department of Health (DOH), the National Dairy Authority (NDA), and local cooperatives to source fresh milk directly from Filipino farmers.

“Mas minabuti ko na sariwa, ligtas, at maayos na gatas—produkto mismo ng ating mga magbababaka sa Pilipinas,” Moreno said.

He also recalled his own childhood, when government-distributed nutribuns and powdered milk helped provide essential nutrients to children like him. These early interventions, he shared, made a lasting difference.

Moreno assured parents that Yormilk is not intended to be a one-time project, adding that he is committed to finding continuous funding to sustain the program.

“Kahit wala tayong pera, maghahanap ako ng paraan para lang lumusog ang mga Batang Maynila,” he said.

Parents are reminded, however, that the milk distributed through the program is intended for children officially enrolled in Manila’s daycare centers, as the initiative is funded by city taxpayers.

Why This Matters for Parents

While feeding programs have long been part of local government efforts, Yormilk highlights an issue that can sometimes be overlooked at home: the role of milk in a child’s daily nutrition. Beyond supporting bone growth, milk provides essential nutrients that help children stay energized, focused, and ready to learn—especially during their formative preschool years.

For parents, the program serves as a timely reminder that raising healthy children goes beyond filling plates. It’s about ensuring they receive the right balance of nutrients every day, helping them grow, learn, and thrive.

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