The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expanded the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program in Western Visayas.
Initially targeting over 43,000 families in Negros Occidental during its pilot phase, the program now includes beneficiaries from Iloilo and Antique to accommodate those excluded from the initial list.
According to DSWD Western Visayas Field Office Regional Director Arwin Razo, many families were disqualified because they were already part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or did not meet the eligibility criteria.
Of the original 43,021 target beneficiaries, 28,124 are from Negros Occidental; 10,560 from Iloilo; and 4,337 from Antique.
The program is based on Executive Order No. 44, issued by President Ferdinand Marcos, which aims to reduce involuntary hunger among low-income households through monetary-based assistance.
Beneficiaries receive P3,000 monthly through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to redeem food items at DSWD-registered or accredited stores.
Razo added that community validation for beneficiaries in Iloilo and Antique is ongoing, with food redemptions expected to begin in these provinces before the year ends.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries from Negros Occidental have already completed four rounds of food redemption.
This expansion highlights the government’s commitment to combating hunger and ensuring food security in Western Visayas.
