The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the World Food Program (WFP), recently unveiled the government’s Walang Gutom 2027 program in Tondo, Manila. This initiative, established through Executive Order (EO) 44 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on October 13, aims to combat food insecurity and malnutrition in the Philippines.
Aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (SDCF) between the government and the United Nations, the Walang Gutom 2027 program addresses the strategic priority of ensuring the availability and accessibility of safe, affordable, and nutrient-rich diets for the most vulnerable and marginalized populations.
During the program’s rollout in Tondo, 50 families received electronic food credits worth P3,000 each. This event marked a significant milestone in the joint efforts of the government, WFP, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Walang Gutom initiative, with the goal of supporting over 1 million food-poor households by 2027.
As part of the pilot implementation, the program distributed food to 3,000 individuals from the National Capital Region, Region 2, Region 4, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) within a span of six months. This comprehensive social assistance package also includes a skills enhancement program, which has already resulted in the job matching of seven individuals from Tondo.
The primary objective of the Walang Gutom 2027 program is to provide vulnerable communities with access to nutritious food, nutrition education, and skills training to enhance their employability and self-employment capacities. By equipping individuals with the necessary resources and knowledge, the program aims to eradicate hunger in the Philippines by 2027.
During the program rollout, WFP representatives briefed the DFA on the food redemption process, which involved Walang Gutom beneficiaries utilizing the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card at the Department of Agriculture’s Kadiwa market. The DFA’s participation in the rollout signifies a stronger collaboration in planning, implementing, and monitoring the activities and outcomes of cooperation between the government and international development partners.
The Walang Gutom 2027 program is a crucial step towards achieving food security and addressing malnutrition in the Philippines. By combining social assistance with skills development, the program empowers individuals and communities to improve their overall well-being and break the cycle of poverty.
As the government, along with its international partners, continues to work towards the program’s goals, it is essential to prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations. Through sustained efforts and effective collaboration, the Walang Gutom 2027 program has the potential to create a significant impact and transform the lives of millions of Filipinos.
In conclusion, the launch of the Walang Gutom 2027 program demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in the Philippines. By providing access to nutritious food, nutrition education, and skills training, the program aims to empower individuals and eradicate hunger by 2027. The DFA’s involvement in the program rollout strengthens collaboration between the government and international development partners, ensuring the effective implementation and monitoring of the program’s activities. With continued efforts and support, the Walang Gutom 2027 program has the potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of millions of Filipinos.
Source: The Manila Times
