Camarines Sur: More than 4,000 residents from various towns in Camarines Sur have started redeeming food stamps as part of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)'s Walang Gutom Program. In an interview on Wednesday, DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio said that at least 15 local government units (LGUs) in the province are participating in the program that aims to provide decent meals to eligible families.
According to Philippines News Agency, the participating towns include San Fernando, Milaor, Garchitorena, Ragay, Lupi, Del Gallego, Sipocot, Pili, Pasacao, Libmanan, Iriga, Nabua, Minalabac, Bula, and Cabusao. Under the program, each household will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer or EBT card loaded with PHP3,000 worth of food items. "The redemption process is scheduled based on the designated days for each respective LGU. This supports efforts to alleviate hunger and improve the well-being of every family. This is the second redemption for Camarines Sur. The program's goal is to alleviate hunger and enhance the quality of life for families," Laurio said.
He also said a total of 40,609 individuals were included in the program for 2025. "The focus is not only on providing food but also on distributing nutritious, high-quality items that contribute to better health and wellness," Laurio added.
Cristina Sarabillo, a beneficiary of the Walang Gutom Program, said the program helped her family meet their daily food needs. "We are so happy to be part of the Walang Gutom Program. My mother is a person with disabilities, and my father is working part-time, so it's a big saving for our family," she said. Sarabillo also lauded the program for providing free rice. "It's a huge relief for our daily expenses," she said.
Lerma Sarmiento, another beneficiary from Caramoan, Camarines Sur, expressed gratitude to the government for bringing the program to their province. Previously, the family would often consume porridge or leftovers for breakfast. Now, however, they enjoy healthy meals with chicken and vegetables through the food redemption program. "I am grateful to the DSWD for the Walang Gutom Program. It has been a big support for our family, allowing us to buy more nutritious food," she said.
