DSWD’s ‘Walang Gutom program’ brings food relief to Agusan Sur
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga’s ‘Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program’ reached the municipality of Rosario, Agusan del Sur, at the Poblacion Covered Court on January 21.
‘The Walang Gutom Program’ is one of the major programs of the DSWD under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which aims to decrease incidents of involuntary hunger experienced by low-income households,” said Jean Escoleta, project development officer of DSWD Caraga.
The program is part of the government’s initiative to reduce involuntary hunger by providing low-income households with P3,000 monthly food credits through electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. These credits are intended for nutritious food and are complemented by nutrition education and livelihood training to build self-reliance rather than provide mere dole-outs.
The program is a big help not only to the beneficiaries but also to local farmers, as it creates an avenue for them to sell their products, such as fruits, vegetables, and other farm goods.
“The EBT card can only be used through tap transactions at accredited partner retailer stores of the Walang Gutom Program, where beneficiaries can redeem their food items. Each beneficiary can redeem rice, bread, noodles, protein-rich food such as chicken, beef, and pork, as well as fruits and vegetables. Through this program, it is ensured that the food brought home by beneficiaries is balanced and nutritious.”
She added, “As of now, there are 480 active beneficiaries of the program in the municipality of Rosario. The redemption program started in December 2025, initially benefiting 286 residents, with an additional 143 beneficiaries expected to be included in the next registration and validation process scheduled for the last week of January 2026.”
“I am thankful to receive this opportunity because it helps me and my husband, who is a person with disability (PWD). For 20 years of his disability, I have carried the burden of providing for our daily necessities,” said Enriqueta Batisting, beneficiary of the Walang Gutom Program.
“I am very grateful to the DSWD, especially to those who lead the program, because our income as farmers is just enough for our daily needs,” said Rodulfo Dumaplin, another beneficiary of the said program.
The selection of beneficiaries is based on the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data, which identifies families in need of food assistance and those with low income for daily sustenance. The program was launched in 2023 and, through its implementation, has helped reduce hunger in many households by providing access to nutritious food that supports their daily lives. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)