DSWD Field Office VI is targeting to reach a total of 43, 021 households all over Negros Occidental in the implementation of the anti-hunger project program called, Walang Gutom: Food Stamp Program.

These households are targeted to be given Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Cards that contains P3,000 monthly for them to purchase food.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI (DSWD FO6) made another milestone as it launched the Food Stamp Program in Western Visayas held at E.B. Magalona Gymnasium and Victorias City Coliseum in Negros Occidental last week.

AS total of 191 beneficiaries from E.B Magalona and 111 beneficiaries from Victorias City all received EBT cards with P3,000 that they used to redeem food packages consisting nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, rice, bread, and meat products.

DSWD has partnered with seven local retailers at E.B Magalona namely, Casey’s Store, Bebeng Store, Linazan Store, DJ Fish Trading, Edmer Store, Pasaporte Store,and Dana Store; and 10 local retailers at Victorias City namely, Add’s Meatshop, Alberto Ninoy Dressed Chicken, Luna’s Pork and Meatshop, Q-mart, MDM88 Store, Diannes Store, NJJR Rice Retailer, Roberto Rice and Retailer, Rosita’s Store, and Austin’s Rice.

Present during the launching were Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Director Arwin Razo, Walang Gutom: Food Stamp Focal Person Fabelino Bendoy, City Social Welfare and Development Officers Joy S. Reunier and Emy Lyn Hibionada, DSWD6 Regional Information Officer Atty. May Castillo, DSWD Staff, and Local Government Units (LGUs) staff of EB Magalona and Victorias City.

Director Razo emphasized in his opening remarks that this initiative is a response made possible by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. towards the households that are experiencing hunger in the country.

“Gusto ni Presidente na walang pamilyang Pilipino ang nakakaranas ng gutom, yun po ay nasa urban man at sa rural communities or areas (The President wants to ensure that no Filipino family goes hungry, whether in urban and rural communities or areas).” Director Razo said.

RESIDENTS’ FEEDBACK

In an interview conducted by DSWD6 with Imelda Peñaflorida, resident of E.B. Magalona and a recipient of the card voucher, she shared how thankful she is because the program would be a huge help to their family, as they do not have to worry about food expenses anymore.

“Ako nagapasalamat kay President Marcos tungod sang bulig niya sa amon nga na dala kami sa Walang Gutom Program (I am grateful to President Marcos for his help in getting us to the Walang Gutom Program),” said Peñaflorida.

Meanwhile, Daisy Olinares, a resident of Victorias City and also a recipient of the food stamp program, shared that this initiative would be beneficial to her, especially since her husband won’t be able to provide for their family anymore. Moreover, their children would be delighted upon receiving the good news.

Olinares further stated, “Ini nga programa maka-bulig kag makahatag sang kalipayan sa akon mga bata, nga makakaon sila sang may sustansya kag may protina. Ilabi sa tanan, nalipay guid kami sang akon pamilya. (This program is going to help bring joy to my children by providing them healthy and protein-packed meals. Above all, my family is really happy.)”

PROCESS

DSWD is the one that meticulously identifies the families that are food-poor in each municipality, and it is the respective LGUs who organize the monthly redemption day.

Moreover, DSWD has partnered with several local retailers from each municipality to supply food products for the beneficiaries. The retailers were given electronic scanners to scan the cards for payments.

In addition, the beneficiaries are mandated to attend the Nutrition Education Sessions held every month by Barangay Nutrition Scholars.

EXECUTIVE ORDER

The program implemented is in accordance with Executive Order No. 44 of President Marcos Jr., establishing the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program.” The Walang Gutom Program of DSWD aims to lessen the number of households in the country experiencing hunger.

(DSWD6 / NAGEbojo / Kirstie Ann Jo Esquivel, BA Journalism – WVSU)