The Marcos administration’s efforts to eradicate hunger, achieve food security, and enhance nutrition received a significant boost with the issuance of an executive order by Malacañang. Executive Order No. 44, also known as the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program,” designates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the lead implementing agency. This initiative aims to combat hunger by providing monthly food credits worth P3,000 to one million of the poorest households, including pregnant women and nursing mothers, with a monthly income of less than P8,000.
The program, which is partially financed by the Asian Development Bank, was launched in Tondo, Manila on July 18, and subsequently rolled out in Siargao Island in September. These electronic credits can be used to purchase approved food items from DSWD-accredited local retailers. The allocation is divided into 50 percent for carbohydrate-rich foods, 30 percent for protein, and 20 percent for fruits and vegetables. This specific distribution of food is intended to provide the necessary calories and nutrients for the beneficiaries to become more productive.
To ensure the success of the program and prevent ineligible individuals from taking advantage, the DSWD has been tasked with identifying qualified recipients and ensuring the delivery of the program’s benefits. Local government units, government agencies, private sectors, and non-government agencies are also encouraged to provide their full support and cooperation to the DSWD.
As with any ambitious government plan, the effectiveness of the food stamp program relies on its implementation. The DSWD must ensure that the intended beneficiaries are properly identified and have access to the specified food items. It is crucial to avoid any chaos or irregularities that occurred during the distribution of financial aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. President Marcos emphasized his commitment to achieving “zero hunger” in the Philippines by the end of his presidency in 2028, highlighting the importance of fighting poverty and providing people with the food they need to survive.
The executive order is aligned with the Philippines’ commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal No. 2, which aims to end hunger, ensure food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. It also supports the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, which aim to provide accessible, safe, and nutritious food for all Filipinos.
While the government’s efforts to launch the food stamp program in various regions, such as Cagayan Valley, the Bicol region, Caraga region, and Bangsamoro, are commendable, it is crucial to address the underlying causes of poverty and hunger. These include shrinking lands for agriculture, low yields due to high prices of farm inputs, and an aging population of land-tillers. Without addressing these issues, the government will continue to allocate a significant amount of funds to sustain the program until 2027. Therefore, it is essential for the government to seek more permanent solutions rather than relying solely on quick fixes like the food stamp initiative.
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