Over 100 Students Victimized by Food Poisoning at School Feeding Program
More than 100 students got hospitalized due to a suspected food poisoning at a school feeding program in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
On Thursday, March 5, 2026, Aat least 123 students from Maimpis Integrated High School were rushed to hospitals after experiencing symptoms believed to be caused by food poisoning. The activity involved students from Grade 7 to Grade 10 who took part in the feeding program organized at the school.
Reports said several students began to complain about stomach pain shortly after eating the food served during the program. Some of them also started vomiting, causing concern among teachers and school staff who quickly sought medical help.
The meal served to the students reportedly included fried chicken and rice. The first group of students who showed stronger symptoms, about 15 of them, were immediately taken to a public hospital in Barangay Bulaon.
As more students began showing similar signs of illness, others were brought to a larger private hospital to receive proper medical attention.
The City Government of San Fernando responded quickly through its health office to assist the affected students. Medical workers checked their condition and made sure they received the treatment they needed.
The barangay captain assured the public that the hospital expenses of the students would be covered by Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, the sponsor of the feeding program. Cayabyab is a former board member of Pampanga’s second district and the daughter of Governor Lilia Pineda.
Later that evening, Cayabyab shared an update on her Facebook page saying that all 123 students who experienced stomach pain and vomiting had already been discharged from the hospital and safely returned to their homes.
In another post, an elementary students suffer food poisoning after eating expired chocolate
Authorities have started investigating the incident to determine what caused the suspected food poisoning. The city health office is also checking the location where the food was prepared and served.
Food samples have been collected and sent to the Department of Health for laboratory analysis.
A total of 381 students joined the feeding program, making the situation a serious concern for the school and the community. Fortunately, all the affected students have recovered and are now safely back with their families.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
