DSWD expands Walang Gutom Program with P20-per-kilo rice from DA

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced Tuesday that it will expand its Walang Gutom Program by integrating a P20-per-kilo rice supply from the Department of Agriculture for accredited retailers, aiming to boost food access for poor families.

Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian said beneficiaries classified as 'food poor' can purchase commodities using their food credits from DSWD-registered or accredited retailers, such as Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores and small agriculture cooperatives.

The Department of Agriculture will supply the DSWD with 490,000 sacks of rice for its feeding program and relief operations between June and December, allowing NFA to buy more palay from farmers at fair prices.

Social Welfare Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian said his agency requires 35,000 sacks of rice monthly to keep its repacking hubs in Pasay and Cebu operational as the government plans to help beneficiaries achieve self-sufficiency through employment opportunities and skills development with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

A nationwide survey conducted by Social Weather Stations and Globe Telecom revealed that hunger incidence among program beneficiaries decreased from 48.7% in October 2024 to 44.6% in December 2024, while non-beneficiaries saw an increase.