The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now studying an increase in the current Php3,000 monthly food credits provided to beneficiaries of the Walang Gutom Program (WGP) as part of the agency’s continued efforts to combat hunger and food insecurity in the country.

In a press briefing by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in Malacañang on Monday (April 14), Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the agency spokesperson, said the DSWD is currently assessing the implementation of the WGP to determine whether the amount and frequency of the food credit top-ups remain adequate for beneficiary households.

“Mayroon po tayong partners na nagsasagawa hinggil doon sa amount na tinatanggap ng beneficiaries and the frequency of availment ng food credits na tinatanggap nila. Isa yun sa tinitingnan kung akma pa ba yung halaga na tinatanggap nila para ma-address yung gap sa pamilya,” the DSWD spokesperson said.

The WGP, which serves as the government’s flagship anti-hunger program, is currently benefiting 300,000 food-poor households across the country. The program also aims to address food consumption gaps as beneficiaries are provided nutrition education sessions to help them understand the value of eating affordable and nutritious food.

Asst. Secretary Dumlao said the agency targets to assist 750,000 food-poor families by 2027, anchored on President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr’s vision of achieving a hunger-free Philippines before his term ends in 2028.

“Sa Walang Gutom, we started kasi in 2023 na nasa mahigit 1,000 yung mga beneficiaries. The following year, nag-expand tayo to 150,000 and ngayon, nasa 300,000 household beneficiaries na yung ating nase-serve. So ibig sabihin po, talagang malaki na yung nai-aambang ng atin pong ahensiya sa paglutas po ng problema ng kagutuman and malnutrition,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao told members of the Malacanang Press Corps (MPC).

According to the DSWD spokesperson, the agency is also eying at expanding the Walang Gutom Kitchen, the latest innovation under Secretary Gatchalian’s leadership which complements the WGP and other anti-hunger initiatives of the government.

“We are expecting na ma-finalize po iyan itong buwan ng Abril, kung ano pa ‘yong karagdagang mga rekomendasyon yung ating ikokonsider sa scale up ng Walang Gutom Kitchen,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

As the assessment continues, Asst. Secretary Dumlao reaffirmed the DSWD’s commitment to strengthening social protection programs and ensuring the welfare and well-being of vulnerable families across the country. (YADP)