At the Datu Ambel Memorial High School in North Cotabato, NGOs and school administrators are giving away free breakfasts starting this July to encourage students to complete their education. The high school has a low completion rate, with only 8 graduates in 2008 out of 50 enrollees in 2004.

“Going to school hungry most of the time could affect students’ performance in school,” says Lhor Laguia, teacher in charge at the Datu Ambel High School.