Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) procurement process for family food packs (FFPs) is both transparent and competitive, ensuring that the actual cost per pack is less than PHP800, an official stated on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD's Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) clarified that a viral social media post incorrectly claimed each food pack costs PHP1,503.84. Dumlao highlighted that the actual cost per food pack is PHP797.80, as determined by the winning bid. The misleading post had referenced a bidding document that represented the maximum potential cost, factoring in procurement specifications, packaging, logistics, delivery, and other related elements.

Dumlao emphasized that the procurement cost for FFPs varies with each bid, as the total expenditure depends on the winning bid's price. She explained that the posted bid document is a public document showing the maximum bid amount for the package of items. The DSWD employs a simplified procurement approach to ensure the availability and swift delivery of food aid to disaster-affected families. The procurement process involves a 'competitive bidding' system where the lowest-priced, compliant bid is declared the winner.

The DSWD's Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) evaluates bids to identify suppliers meeting technical, financial, and legal conditions while offering the lowest calculated and responsive bid based on government procurement rules. In the recent bidding, 2 Go Global International Corporation emerged as the lowest bidder, offering PHP797.80 per box of FFP.

Each FFP is designed to provide immediate food support, containing six kilograms of rice, four cans of tuna flakes, four cans of corned beef, two cans of sardines, five sachets of instant coffee, and five sachets of choco malt drink. The composition, endorsed by the National Nutrition Council (NNC), aligns with the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake (RENI) formulated by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

The FFPs aim to provide a combination of staple food, protein sources, energy, and essential nutrients, but are not intended to replace a family's regular food supply long-term. They are designed to sustain a family of five for two to three days.

Dumlao urged the public to direct inquiries or complaints to the department and be cautious of misleading information on social media. "This kind of misinformation is not helpful, especially in times when focus is on the prompt response to the needs of calamity-affected people. We also appeal to concerned citizens to ensure that your documents are accurate before sharing them on social media. We also reiterate that the DSWD is open to all comments and complaints," Dumlao stated.