‘Food stamp a flagship program’

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration has declared the food stamp initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as a flagship program of the government, citing the need to end hunger and achieve food security.

The “Walang Gutom 2027” food stamp program was established as a government flagship program through Executive Order No. 44 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of President Marcos on Oct. 12.

Launched last September, the food stamp program aims to provide monthly meal assistance worth P3,000 in the form of electronic benefit transfer cards that can be used to buy select food commodities from eligible partner merchant stores.

The program seeks to lower the incidence of involuntary hunger among families classified as “food poor” as well as pregnant and nursing mothers. It is one of the measures implemented by the government to help vulnerable sectors affected by the higher prices of commodities.

“The DSWD, as the primary government entity responsible for the implementation and management of social welfare development programs in the country, shall be the lead implementing agency of the food stamp program,” it added.

The EO directed the DSWD to undertake the necessary steps for the successful implementation and expansion of the program, including identifying eligible beneficiaries and collaborating with relevant stakeholders, government agencies and local governments to ensure efficient and timely distribution and use of food stamps.

The DSWD was also instructed to determine the appropriate staffing pattern and corresponding qualification standards for the creation of additional posts necessary to administer and operate the food stamp program.

The DSWD is expected to come up with the implementing rules of the EO within 30 working days from its effectivity. The implementation of the order will be funded by the budget of the DSWD and its partner agencies.

Ensuring food security and proper nutrition in the country by providing accessible, safe and nutritious food for all Filipinos is also among the goals of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the administration’s eight-point socioeconomic agenda.