MANILA – In a decisive move, Malacañang has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 44, officially designating the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” as a paramount initiative of the national government.
The EO, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, proclaims the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as a Flagship Program of the National Government. With its role as the primary government entity responsible for implementing and managing social welfare development programs, the DSWD is entrusted with the lead role in executing the Food Stamp Program.
The EO mandates the DSWD to take essential measures for the effective implementation and expansion of the Food Stamp Program. These actions encompass identifying eligible beneficiaries and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure the efficient and timely distribution and utilization of food stamps.
Additionally, the order directs the DSWD to collaborate with other national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) in the program’s implementation. It also calls upon relevant NGAs and participating LGUs to provide full support and cooperation to the DSWD to ensure the order’s successful execution.
The EO further requires the DSWD to establish the appropriate staffing pattern and corresponding qualification standards to create the necessary positions for the administration and operation of the Food Stamp Program. Proposed changes in the organization structure and staffing pattern of the DSWD will be subject to review and approval by the budget department.
The DSWD will develop the implementing rules of the EO within 30 days of its effectivity. The funding for the program’s implementation will be derived from the DSWD’s appropriations and its partner agencies.
The “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” is a significant undertaking of the DSWD, designed to reduce the incidence of voluntary hunger experienced by low-income households. It achieves this by providing monetary-based assistance through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase specific food items from eligible partner merchants.
A comprehensive, whole-of-government approach is crucial for the program’s success, with all NGAs and LGUs participating and supporting this initiative.
The program’s implementation aligns with the Philippines’ commitment to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 2, which aims to eradicate hunger, ensure food security, enhance nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.
Additionally, the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, launched in June this year, and the administration’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, share the objective of ensuring food security and proper nutrition in the country by providing accessible, safe, and nutritious food for all Filipinos. (Presidential News Desk)
