Food stamps not band-aid solution – DSWD exec

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration’s food stamp project is not a dole out or a “band-aid solution” to the country’s problems on hunger and poverty, an official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said yesterday.

According to DSWD Undersecretary for innovation Eduardo Punay, the program was not designed to treat Filipinos as “beggars seeking alms but rather as individuals who deserve access to basic necessities.”

“While it is true that long-term solutions such as increasing wages and lowering food prices are important in addressing food insecurity, the food stamp program can provide immediate relief to those who are struggling to put food on the table,” noted Punay, chair of the Technical Working Group of the “Walang Gutom Food Stamp 2027 Project.”

He pointed out that on the contrary, the project will restore the dignity of its beneficiaries by providing them with a sense of independence and self-sufficiency.

Punay added that instead of having to line up and wait for their food boxes, they will now have the ability to purchase food like any other consumer.

“The purchasing power accorded to them can be a significant boost to their self-esteem and can help them to feel more in control of their lives,” he maintained.

The official also said that such a program is actually a “proven and effective way” to address food insecurity.

By ensuring that low-income families have access to nutritious food, he underscored “we not only promote their health and well-being, but also enable them to become productive members of society.”

“This is because adequate food is a key factor in supporting physical and cognitive development, as well as overall productivity and success,” he added.

Aside from this, the program will also help stimulate local economies, as the assistance is spent at local retailers, creating jobs and supporting small businesses.

“The program is not intended to be a long-term solution, but rather a bridge to help families overcome financial hardships and move towards self-sufficiency,” he maintained.