July 2, 2024

The Municipality of E. B. Magalona launched “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program," a nationwide program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), at the Asenso Hall at the Public Plaza today [July 2].

The program aims to reduce the incidence of voluntary hunger that is being experienced by low-income households by providing monetary-based assistance through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that can be used to purchase select food commodities from eligible partner merchant stores.

Leading the launch were Mayor Marvin Malacon, Lemuel Neil Abliter and Marty Majed Arteche - both from the DSWD Central Office- National Program Management Office; DSWD-6 Regional Program Management Office coordinator Fabelino Bendoy Jr., Compliance Verification Officer Jewel Goldamir Macayan, Grievance Redress Officer Von Bon Tinambunan, Planning Officer Aira Aguilar, Retailer Management Officer Bryce Kevin Paguntalan, Social Behavioral Change Officer Dizzyre Alog, and E. B. Magalona Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Emy Lyn Hibionada.

They also talked about Retailer Assessment and Onboarding Activities.

Malacon, in his opening remarks, said the benefits of this program extend beyond the recipients. By involving local retailers in the Food Stamp Program, we are also fostering economic growth and livelihood opportunities within our community, he said.

Retailers participating in this program experience increased business activity, which in turn supports local suppliers and producers, he said.

This creates a sustainable cycle of economic benefit that helps uplift our entire municipality, he added.

The “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” also invites beneficiaries to become productive citizens through skills training and participation in government-organized job fairs.

The DSWD said the program is more than just an initiative to combat hunger. It is a holistic approach that not only benefits the direct recipients—the families in need—but also creates a positive domino effect throughout the community.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 44, establishing the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program," a flagship program of DSWD which is mandated to undertake the necessary steps for the successful implementation and expansion of the program in 10 regions or 12 provinces with an initial target of 300,000 families.*

-E. B. MAGALONA PIO