DSWD extends food support to 4,485 Agsurnons under Walang Gutom Program
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
Almadella Sanguita, 79, happily packs the goods she received during the Walang Gutom Program (WGP) food credits redemption on June 29. She proceeded to the distribution venue early in the morning, excited to cook the vegetables for her family as soon as she got home.
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga has extended food assistance to 4,485 beneficiaries across Agusan del Sur in June 2026, marking the sixth month of the nationwide rollout of the Walang Gutom Program (WGP) this year.
Under the program, each recipient receives P3,000 in food credits through the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system, redeemable from WGP-affiliated merchants. The initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to end involuntary hunger by providing food credits and free meals to food-poor families nationwide.
In Bayugan City, 79-year-old Almadella D. Sanguita expressed gratitude after receiving rice, fruits, and vegetables. “Dako akong kalipay nga nakadawat na pud mi sa mga pagkaon na panghatag sa DSWD. Dako na kini nga tabang sa among pamilya, diin makakaon na sab mi og lami ug masustansyang pagkaon. Salamat kaayo sa DWSD Walang Gutom Program” (I am very happy that we have once again received these food items from the DSWD. This is already a big help for our family since we will again be able to eat delicious and nutritious food at home. Thank you very much, DSWD Walang Gutom Program), she said, highlighting the program’s impact on her household’s nutrition.
Similarly, Christopher B. Pugahan, a 47-year-old farmer from Prosperidad, shared how the program eases the burden of unstable income in farming. “Dako og tabang kini nga programa labi na isip usa ka mag-uuma, dili mi permi maka harvest, di mi permi makahalin, maong dili sab mi permi makapalit sa among panginahanglan” (This program has been a great help, especially for us farmers since our harvest is not all-year round, so our income is not stable, making it harder for us to buy our needs).”
“Malipay sab ko makakita sa akong mga anak nga musugat sa ako inig muuli ko nga naa koy bitbit nga prutas labi na akong kamanghuran (It also brings me joy seeing my children, especially my youngest, filled with happiness as soon as they see me bringing home fruits for them),” he added.
In Esperanza, beneficiaries also received their food credits on June 30. Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Edgardo Zerna praised the program for promoting dignity among poor families, especially in a municipality where poverty incidence has reached 43 percent. He emphasized that aside from food distribution, DSWD’s learning sessions on food preparation ensure sustainable nutritional benefits for families.
“The program will not only provide them nutritious food but will also equip them with the much-needed knowledge on how to prepare food that is nutritious but affordable, especially for the younger members of their families. As the MSWDO, I fully support the WGP as it aligns with our mission of protecting the welfare of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized sectors of our community,” Zerna said, affirming full support for the WGP.
As millennials often say—”Food is life.” Through the administration’s flagship program, what is given is not just food, but a renewed chance at life—a life where no Filipino is left hungry. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with reports from DSWD Caraga and MSWDO Esperanza)
