HB10460: BARANGAY INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT APPROACH FOR NUTRITION IMPROVEMENT (BIDANI) ACT
This bill, known as the "Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) Act," establishes a comprehensive, multi-sectoral program aimed at improving the nutritional well-being of the rural poor in the Philippines. It mandates state universities and colleges (SUCs) and community colleges to actively participate in addressing malnutrition, food insecurity, and poverty alleviation by integrating nutrition concerns into countryside development programs. This directly impacts rural communities by providing technical assistance, training, and capacity-building activities to local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders, fostering community participation in health and nutrition initiatives.
The BIDANI program encourages the formulation of Barangay Integrated Development Plans (BIDPs) that include nutrition-specific programs, and emphasizes updating existing Barangay Management Information Systems (BMIS) for evidence-based planning and implementation of projects. By promoting participative nutrition enhancement approaches and market-driven livelihood activities, the bill seeks to empower households to combat malnutrition among vulnerable populations. The allocation of funds within the annual General Appropriations Act and permission for SUCs and community colleges to receive grants and donations ensures sustainable funding for this vital program.