‘Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program’ declared major gov’t project

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MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang issued an executive order declaring the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” as a flagship program of the national government.

Executive Order (EO) No. 44, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on October 12, established the food stamp program as a major government initiative.

“The ‘Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program’ of the DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] is hereby declared as a Flagship Program of the National Government. The DSWD, as the primary government entity responsible for the implementation and management of social welfare development programs in the country, shall be the lead implementing agency of the Food Stamp Program,” the EO read.

To ensure the successful implementation of the program, the DSWD was tasked to identify eligible beneficiaries and cooperate with relevant stakeholders to assure efficient and timely distribution and use of food stamps.

The DSWD was also assigned to collaborate with other national and local government units for better implementation of the program, determine the appropriate staffing pattern and corresponding qualification standards for additional positions necessary for the administration and operation of the program, and submit proposed organizational changes in structure and staffing pattern in DSWD.

Government agencies at the national and local level, on the other hand, were ordered to give full support and cooperation for the effective implementation of the project.

The food stamp program is aimed at reducing voluntary hunger among low-income households by providing monetary-based assistance accessible through Electronic Benefit Transfer cards.

These cards can be used to purchase select food commodities from partner merchant stores.

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