Surigao City: A total of 1,356 residents in Surigao del Norte received food assistance through the 'Walang Gutom' (Zero Hunger) program from January 9 to 13, as reported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga (DSWD-13) on Tuesday. The initiative aims to combat hunger and ensure food security for communities in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program extended its reach to beneficiaries across various mainland towns including Mainit, Alegria, Bacuag, Placer, Claver, Gigaquit, Tagana-an, Sison, Malimono, and San Francisco, alongside Surigao City. Efforts on Siargao Island saw food packages delivered to residents in Del Carmen, San Benito, Pilar, General Luna, Socorro, and Dapa.

Each beneficiary received food packages worth PHP3,000, containing items categorized as 'Go, Grow, and Glow' to promote balanced nutrition. The DSWD-13 emphasized in a news release that this initiative aims to provide families with access to nutritious meals, contributing to a healthier future.

The 'Walang Gutom' program was inaugurated in the Caraga Region by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on September 29, 2023, in Siargao Island. In December 2024, the DSWD-13 identified an additional 1,500 beneficiaries in Surigao del Norte, particularly focusing on individuals not covered by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.