Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian meets with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Social Protection Project Team Leader Thomas Gonnet on Friday (May 9) to explore ways of strengthening partnership to address involuntary hunger in the Philippines.

The meeting, which was held at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City, centered on anti-hunger initiatives, particularly the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), which aims to eliminate involuntary hunger before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr steps out of office in 2028.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of integrating digital systems into social welfare programs to enhance their implementation. By utilizing digital platforms, both the DSWD and AFD aim to develop a more holistic, sustainable, and data-driven approach to service delivery.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together in support of marginalized and vulnerable communities, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration.

The AFD executive was accompanied by AFD Social Protection Local Project Manager Delphine Helle.

Secretary Gatchalian was joined at the meeting by Assistant Secretary Baldr Bringas of the DSWD’s Innovations and Program Development Group (IPDG) and concurrent Officer-in-Charge for the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP)National Program Management Office. (YADP)