Manila: A total of 533,613 households are now enrolled in the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Walang Gutom Program (WGP), a key anti-hunger initiative of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao stated that as of January 15, over 533,000 households have been enrolled in the WGP. The program initially enrolled 300,000 households last year, and efforts are underway to reach the target of 600,000 beneficiaries this year. Dumlao emphasized that the department is expediting the enrollment process through simultaneous verification and registration in regions with the highest rates of involuntary hunger.

Dumlao further mentioned that a total of 750,000 households in 52 provinces are expected to be enrolled in the WGP before President Marcos's term ends in 2028. On January 13, the DSWD's Field Office 5, known as the 'Angels in Red Vest,' conducted verification and registration activities in several municipalities across Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon.

Similar registration activities are also taking place in other regions, including Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, Negros Island Region, and the National Capital Region. The WGP, launched in 2023 and institutionalized in 2024 through Executive Order No. 44, serves as the flagship anti-hunger program of the Philippine government, aligning with President Marcos's goal to address food insecurity.