CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Families struggling to put food on the table may be eligible for assistance under the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), a government initiative that provides food credits to help low-income households buy nutritious meals.
The program, implemented by the (DSWD), aims to reduce hunger and improve food security among vulnerable Filipino families.
What assistance does the program provide?
Qualified beneficiaries receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card loaded with ₱3,000 worth of monthly food credits, which can be used to purchase nutritious food from DSWD-accredited partner stores.
The food assistance is intended to help families maintain access to healthy food, especially during periods of financial hardship.
Who can qualify?
The DSWD identifies beneficiaries based on the list of food-poor households generated through the 's Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).
Eligible families are selected by the government and are not required to submit a separate application unless advised by their local DSWD office.
What are the requirements?
Aside from receiving food assistance, beneficiaries are expected to:
- Attend Nutrition Education Sessions to learn healthy eating habits.
- Participate in financial literacy and livelihood training to help improve their long-term financial stability.
The program is designed not only to provide immediate food assistance but also to help families become more self-reliant.
By helping households buy nutritious food, the Walang Gutom Program also supports local food retailers and allows families to use more of their income for other essential needs such as education, healthcare, and transportation.
The initiative is part of the government's broader effort to reduce hunger and strengthen food security, consistent with Executive Order No. 44, which seeks to improve access to essential goods and services for Filipinos.
