Eastern Visayas: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office has provided food assistance to 1,183 families in Eastern Visayas since December as part of the expanded 'Walang Gutom' program. This initiative aims to address involuntary hunger and malnutrition.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD recorded the highest number of beneficiaries last week at 985. Identified families received food packs and PHP3,000 food credits under the program, as stated by DSWD Eastern Visayas regional information officer Joshua Kempis in a phone interview.
During the first two weeks of January, food assistance was distributed to families in the towns of Lawaan, Dolores, and Maslog in Eastern Samar province; Jiabong, Sta. Margarita, and Catbalogan City in Samar; as well as Palo, Abuyog, Babatngon, and Tacloban City in Leyte. The DSWD utilized an indicator and know-your-client tools to list more qualified recipients for this flagship program under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
As of December 27, the total number of eligible beneficiaries for the Walang Gutom program was 42,959 households, surpassing the actual target of 38,261. These households will receive PHP3,000 food credits in their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase food supplies from DSWD-accredited retailers.
Kempis mentioned that redemption activities are still ongoing, and the final number of households receiving food packs from accredited suppliers is yet to be determined. All beneficiaries must attend nutrition education sessions to continue receiving food aid.
Under the program, each family receives PHP3,000 monthly on their EBT card for three years, with the selection of recipients based on household income, assets, and other factors. The DSWD conducts a thorough evaluation and validation process to determine the list of beneficiaries.
The program aims to achieve food security by addressing involuntary hunger among low-income Filipino households and enhancing their access to nutritious food through EBT cards. Beneficiaries can purchase a variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, and non-alcoholic beverages, though certain items like hot foods, vitamins, and household supplies are ineligible for purchase with food stamps.
