In a significant move to combat hunger and malnutrition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas has broadened its ‘Walang Gutom’ initiative. The program, which is a key component of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, now includes an additional 800 families, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 31,774 in the region.
The expansion was announced in Tacloban City, where Joshua Kempis, the regional information officer for DSWD, detailed the benefits of the program. Each participating family receives PHP3,000 monthly through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase food at DSWD-accredited stores. The allocation of the funds is specific: PHP1,500 for carbohydrates, PHP900 for proteins, and PHP600 for fats, oils, and other dietary fibers.
To maintain eligibility, all beneficiaries must participate in nutrition education sessions. This requirement underscores the program’s dual focus on immediate food relief and long-term nutritional education.
The selection of new recipients was meticulously carried out using indicators and know-your-client tools, ensuring that the aid reaches those most in need. The process involved a thorough evaluation and validation by field validators during the registration and assessment phases.
The ‘Walang Gutom’ program aims to enhance food security among low-income Filipino households by providing them with better access to nutritious food options. Beneficiaries can purchase a wide range of food items, including fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, meats, fish, poultry, and non-alcoholic beverages. However, certain items like hot foods, vitamins, and household supplies are excluded from the list of eligible purchases.
This initiative not only addresses the immediate issue of involuntary hunger but also works towards a sustainable solution by improving the nutritional knowledge and food choices of the beneficiaries.