Baguio Launches Free Meals Program for Low-Income College Students

Low-income college students in Baguio can now benefit from a new city program that provides up to ₱2,500 worth of monthly food vouchers, helping ensure they have access to nutritious meals while pursuing their education.

The Baguio City Council has officially approved the rules for the Baguio City Free Youth Meals for College Students Ordinance of 2023, marking the start of the city’s free meals program.

This initiative will provide qualified low-income college students in Baguio with up to ₱2,500 worth of food vouchers per month to help reduce food insecurity and support their education.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to students enrolled in colleges and universities in Baguio, including student assistants. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a resident of Baguio City from a low-income family.
• Pass the screening by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
• Maintain passing grades.
• Not be receiving any other government food or financial subsidy.

Benefits

• ₱2,500 worth of food vouchers per month.
• Vouchers can be redeemed at partner food establishments in Baguio.
• A secure system with schools and the CSWDO will ensure vouchers are properly distributed and used.

How to Apply

Qualified students must submit the following requirements:

1. Accomplished application form
2. Certification of indigency from CSWDO (through its unit offices)
3. For freshmen: Form 138 (High School Report Card)
   For continuing students: Copy of grades from the previous semester
4. Barangay certificate of residency (family must be residents of Baguio for at least 1 year)
5. Certificate of enrollment
6. Voter’s ID or COMELEC voter’s certificate (if not available, parent’s voter’s ID or certificate)

Applicants may submit their documents to:

• CSWDO offices at Saint Louis University (SLU), University of the Cordilleras (UC), and University of Baguio (UB), or
• The social worker assigned to their barangay

Program Funding and Coverage

• Initial funding: ₱2.64 million from the CSWDO’s budget for the first year
• First target beneficiaries: 100 students
• Funding may increase in the future based on recommendations from CSWDO

Background

The ordinance was authored by former Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Levy Lloyd Orcales and passed in 2023. The program’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) were later crafted by current SK Federation President John Rhey Mananeng in coordination with the CSWDO.