The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday assured beneficiaries of its Walang Gutom Program (WGP) of uninterrupted support amid rising food prices brought by the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Undersecretary Edu Punay of the DSWD’s Innovations and Program Development Group (IPDG) said the department knows how current global developments contribute to increases in fuel and commodity prices, which as a consequence, are highly affecting the cost of living of Filipino families.
“Batid namin ang hamon ng krisis sa pagkain at ang hirap sa pagbabadyet para sa pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan ng pamilya. Kaya naman, sa pamamagitan ng Walang Gutom Program, tinitiyak namin na may sapat na pagkain sa bawat hapag-kainan (We know the challenge resulting from food crisis and the hardship in daily budgeting for family necessities. That’s why, through the Walang Gutom Program, we ensure that there is enough food in every table),” Punay said in a news release.
He said the DSWD remains committed to ensuring that vulnerable households continue to have access to adequate and nutritious food despite these challenges.
“Nauunawaan din namin ang inyong pag-aalala kung paano masisigurong may sapat at masustansyang pagkain na maihahain sa hapag. Sa gitna ng mga pagbabagong ito, maaaring maapektuhan ang dami ng pagkaing mabibili gamit ang food credits mula sa programa (We also understand your worries on how to ensure that there are enough and nutritious foods to offer on the table. Amid these developments, the number of available food to be bought using food credits from the program may be affected),” he added.
To help address these concerns, the WGP provides supports, not only through food credits, but also through practical advice and alternative means in preparing food according to the budget without sacrificing nutrition.
Under the Kalusugan, Kakayahan, at Kabuhayan (3K) Sessions component of the WGP, beneficiaries are empowered and equipped to prepare nutritious, delicious, and affordable meals for their families.
The 3K sessions, formerly called the Nutrition Education Sessions (NES) and Productivity Enhancement Sessions (PES), also strengthen the capacities of beneficiaries by promoting practical skills and livelihood-related knowledge in coordination with partner agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“Makakaasa po kayo na nananatili kaming kaagapay ninyo sa panahong ito. Patuloy kaming maghahatid ng suporta at mga programang tutugon sa inyong pangangailangan (We assure you that we will remain as your companion during this trying time). We will continue to bring you support and programs that will respond to your needs),” Punay said.
Launched in 2023 and institutionalized in 2024 by virtue of Executive Order (EO) No. 44, the WGP is the flagship anti-hunger program of the Philippine government, which is aligned with the goal of President Marcos to address food insecurity in the country. (PNA)