DEPED PROBES MILK POISONING IN NEGROS ORIENTAL
The Department of Education (DepEd) is investigating the poisoning of over a hundred elementary students in Negros Oriental after consuming allegedly contaminated milk distributed in schools under its SchoolBased Feeding Program (SBFP).
In a statement on Saturday, the DepEd said it had coordinated with the municipal government of Santa Catalina, the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and concerned agencies for the analysis of milk samples and the investigation of the incident.
“We will likewise look into possible actions against those responsible entities or individuals,” it added.
The NDA, through a memorandum of agreement with the DepEd, has been providing the fresh milk and sterilized milk required by the DepEd through the NDA-assisted local dairy farms and dairy cooperatives.
About 103 learners in Grades 1 and 2, in at least five villages in Santa Catalina were treated for vomiting and stomach pains after drinking the fresh milk given by their schools on Thursday.
According to the DepEd, majority of the affected learners experienced mild illnesses, including dehydration and nausea, and were discharged from hospitals after getting treatment.
Assistance assured
“DepEd has facilitated the provision of immediate medical assistance to affected individuals and will continue to monitor their health status,” it said.
Based on a police report, the bottles of the fresh milk consumed by the victims had no label or any information regarding the supplier.
The Deped said it was committed to continue assisting the learners and their families, stressing that the “health and safety of our learners remain the utmost priority of the department, and we will ensure that measures will be instituted to prevent occurrence of similar incidents.”
Distribution of fresh milk is part of the SBFP, a DepEd program that aims to address hunger and encourage learners to enroll and contribute to the improvement of their nutritional status, as mandated by Republic Act No. 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act.