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| The "Walang Gutom 2027" program aims to combat hunger in the Philippines by providing eligible families with electronic benefit transfers to buy nutritious food. |
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is preparing to launch its food stamp program, "Walang Gutom 2027," in an important step toward combating hunger and promoting food security.
Secretary Rex Gatchalian met with newly appointed Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Pavit Ramachandran and former Country Director Kelly Bird on Monday, June 19, to discuss the program's pilot run and funding modalities.
In collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the French Development Agency, the ADB will provide a significant $3 million (equivalent to 168 million) in technical assistance during the pilot rollout, which will run from July to December. This collaboration exemplifies international organizations' commitment to assisting the DSWD in addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable development in the country.
Just last week, the DSWD announced President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s approval to implement the food stamp program. The Food Stamp Program (FSP) aims to provide electronic benefit transfers worth $3,000 per family. This financial assistance will enable beneficiaries to purchase nutritious food items from DSWD-accredited local retailers, ensuring that vulnerable households can access a well-balanced diet.
With the combined efforts of the DSWD, ADB, JICA, and the French Development Agency, the food stamp program is expected to significantly alleviate hunger and improve Filipino families' overall welfare. —iTacloban