The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is intensifying efforts to combat hunger across the country through its “Walang Gutom Program” (WGP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, following alarming results from a recent nationwide survey.
According to the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from March 15 to 20, around 27.2% of Filipino families—more than one in four—experienced involuntary hunger over the past three months. In response, the DSWD is providing Php3,000 worth of monthly food credits to 300,000 food-poor households, which translates to support for about 1.5 million individuals.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao highlighted the agency’s long-term goal of expanding the program to reach 750,000 families by 2027, aligning with the national vision of a hunger-free Philippines. She also pointed to the continued operations of the Walang Gutom Kitchen in Pasay City, which provides free, nutritious hot meals daily to vulnerable residents.
Beyond direct food aid, the DSWD is also integrating nutrition education into the program to promote sustainable and healthy eating habits. Through a holistic approach combining food security, education, and community support, the department reaffirms its commitment to alleviating hunger and enhancing the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.