By David Vera
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office in Eastern Visayas has expanded its “Walang Gutom” program, adding 800 more families to the initiative aimed at combating involuntary hunger and malnutrition in the region.
According to DSWD regional information officer Joshua Kempis, the program now supports 31,774 families across Eastern Visayas. Each beneficiary family receives PHP3,000 in food credits monthly through an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase food supplies from DSWD-accredited retailers.
The food credits are allocated based on nutritional needs: PHP1,500 (50%) for carbohydrates, PHP900 (30%) for protein, and PHP600 (20%) for fats, oils, and dietary fibers. Beneficiaries are required to attend nutrition education sessions to continue receiving the monthly aid.
The program, a flagship initiative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aims to enhance food security by addressing hunger among low-income households and improving their access to nutritious food. The selection of recipients is based on household income, assets, and other factors, with the list of beneficiaries determined through a rigorous evaluation and validation process by field validators.
Under the scheme, families will receive the monthly food credit for three years, enabling them to purchase a variety of essential food items, including fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, meats, fish, and poultry. However, certain items, such as hot foods, vitamins, and non-food household supplies, are not eligible for purchase under the program.
The “Walang Gutom” program reflects the DSWD’s commitment to reducing hunger and malnutrition, ensuring better health outcomes for low-income families in Eastern Visayas.