the
youngsters Volume 8, Issue No.1 September 2024-February 2025
The Official Learner Publication of Balaoan Central School, Balaoan District, La Union Schools Division
CAMPULSE
The Youngsters conducted a survey to the whole community of Balaoan Central School regarding their opinion on the proposed NEDAs P64 budget for three meals and here is the result.
ECONOMY
UNREALISTIC, INSULTING:
97%
3%
NEDA’s P64 budget meal receives backlash by Angelle Miyumi O. Gonzales
T
DISAGREE AGREE
he National Economic and Development Authority’s 64 pesos budget for food per person received criticism from parents and teachers of Balaoan Central School.This amounts to 22 pesos per meal in a day. In an interview with Rosenalyn S. Julaton, the SPTA president, she stressed that the proposed budget for a three-meal per person was unrealistic. “Sa taas ng bilihin ngayon, hindi yata kakasya ang 64 pesos para sa isang araw” she said. During a Senate hearing for the 2025 budget, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said a monthly food threshold for a family of five is 9,581 pesos, which is equivalent to P64 per person. “Parang hindi naman alam ng ating secretary ang sitwasyon sa ibaba, lalong lalo na sa mahihirap, kung kakayanin ba ng 64 pesos na budget para sa pagkain sa isang araw”, said Leonora C. Ariola, grade 1 teacher. She also added that instead of proposing a budget for every meal why not propose measures to combat inflation in the market. The inflation rate has drastically increased
SCAN ME
continue on page 03
Editorial
SIXTY-FOUR (64) IS FOOD POOR Page 03
Feature
Balaoan: A prime destination for everyone Page 12
42%
As of March 2024, around 42% or about 11.1 million Filipino families consider themselves poor in the Philippines.