In a significant move to combat hunger, 26,195 households in Cebu and Bohol have been actively participating in the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program. The initiative, which is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, aims to alleviate involuntary hunger among low-income families. Tonyson Luther Lee, the assistant regional director for administration at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas, announced that the redemption period, known as Period 12, is scheduled from January 13 to January 22, 2025.
On January 14, a total of 344 households from two northern Cebu municipalities successfully redeemed their food commodities. This included 188 beneficiaries from Liloan and 156 from Poro town on the Camotes Islands. In the southern part of Cebu, 801 households across six municipalities were able to access their food packages. The distribution in this region was facilitated by partner retailers, serving 259 beneficiaries in Pinamungahan, 253 in Barili, 173 in Dumanjug, 75 in Malabuyoc, 26 in Ronda, and 15 in Aloguinsan.
The program also extends to Negros Oriental, where food stamp distribution commenced last year in Pamplona town. Beneficiaries of the Walang Gutom Program receive PHP3,000 monthly in food credits through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which they can use to purchase approved food items from designated partner merchants. The initiative leverages digital platforms to streamline the delivery of social protection services, ensuring that aid reaches those in need efficiently.