In a significant stride towards eradicating hunger, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has successfully distributed food to more than 26,000 families across three provinces in the region as part of the ‘Walang Gutom’ program. This initiative, now three months into its execution, has been pivotal in addressing food insecurity in Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon.
Norman Laurio, the director of DSWD-5, highlighted the program’s focus on providing essential nutrition to families who struggle to access adequate food resources. The Regional Program Management Office has been actively involved in validating and distributing food aid across the region. The validation process meticulously identifies eligible recipients, prioritizing senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and single parents.
To facilitate the distribution, social workers conduct detailed interviews to assess the family’s structure, income sources, and monthly food expenses. Once deemed eligible, beneficiaries receive electronic benefit transfer cards, each preloaded with PHP3,000. These cards are used during redemption events where families can exchange their card’s value for food packages, using Point-of-Sale machines to scan and receive receipts for their provisions.
Laurio emphasized that the ‘Walang Gutom’ program not only addresses immediate hunger but also aims at fostering long-term food security through integrated livelihood support and sustainable feeding programs. This approach is designed to empower communities, reducing their dependency on government aid.
The program has been instrumental in fighting malnutrition and food insecurity among low-income families in Bicol. It ensures that vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and marginalized communities, have access to nutritious meals. By providing food assistance and meal subsidies, the initiative plays a critical role in improving the health and well-being of Bicolano families, particularly those grappling with economic hardships.