Manila: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD400 million loan aimed at aiding the Philippines in its efforts to combat hunger, food insecurity, and poor nutrition. This financial support is part of the Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers Project, designed to bolster the government’s Walang Gutom (Zero Hunger) Food Stamp program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the loan will facilitate the distribution of monthly electronic food vouchers to 750,000 food-insecure households across the nation. ADB Deputy Director General for Southeast Asia and concurrent Country Director for the Philippines, Pavit Ramachandran, highlighted the necessity of food vouchers in assisting poor and vulnerable households to meet their nutritional needs, noting that nearly half of the Philippine population struggles to afford a healthy diet.

The initiative not only provides electronic food vouchers but also includes monthly sessions for beneficiaries to encourage positive nutrition-related behaviors and fill knowledge gaps. This dual approach aims to alleviate malnutrition and poverty simultaneously. Additionally, the project is set to enhance governmental capacity for implementation and improve systems for shock-responsive social protection, ensuring households receive timely assistance during disasters and economic upheavals.

The project is cofinanced by the Agence Fran§aise de D©veloppement (AFD) with a 200 million euro (USD220 million) loan, and the OPEC Fund for International Development, contributing USD150 million. ADB’s technical assistance to the Department of Social Welfare and Development is crucial, as they collaborate with the World Food Program to pilot electronic voucher delivery in five locations from December 2023 to July 2024.