Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported an increase in beneficiaries redeeming food assistance under the ‘Walang Gutom’ program. Tonyson Luther Lee, assistant director for administration of the DSWD-Central Visayas, stated that the redemption Period No. 12, spanning from January 13 to 22, saw 26,195 household beneficiaries.
According to Philippines News Agency, the number of beneficiaries for this period is higher compared to Period No. 11, which had a target of 13,170 household beneficiaries. For the current redemption period, 15,761 beneficiaries, who mostly reside in 24 towns and cities in Negros Oriental, have redeemed their food assistance. The remaining 10,434 recipients are from 47 different towns and cities in Cebu province.
The ‘Walang Gutom’ program aims to reduce involuntary hunger and malnutrition among low-income households while encouraging them to become productive citizens. Beneficiaries can redeem a PHP3,000 pre-order food package using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at partner retailers within their municipalities and cities. Additionally, some beneficiaries have the option to redeem their goods through mobile stores at designated venues identified by local government units.
