DSWD Launches P20-Per-Kilo Rice Pilot Program
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to begin piloting the distribution of P20-per-kilo rice to beneficiaries of its Walang Gutom Program this June. This move follows the approval of their request to the Department of Agriculture (DA) for a supply of affordable rice.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao shared that the agency is finalizing coordination efforts with the DA and accredited retailers, including Kadiwa outlets, to test the food redemption system using subsidized rice. The inclusion of rice aims to reinforce the program’s impact on reducing hunger and improving nutrition among beneficiaries.
How the Walang Gutom Program Works
Under the Walang Gutom Program, eligible households receive P3,000 worth of monthly food credits loaded onto electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. Dumlao explained, “May redemption period o yung parang palengke day ng ating mga Walang Gutom participants. Ito ay isinasagawa pagkatapos ng nutrition education sessions, which is one of the conditions of the program. So kapag natop-up na yung P3,000 monthly food credit doon sa kanilang electronic benefit transfer card, magkakaroon ng redemption day.”
This means beneficiaries can redeem food items, such as rice and fresh produce, during designated redemption days that take place after they complete required nutrition education sessions. Accredited sellers provide these goods, ensuring quality and accessibility.
Pilot Program to Test Rice Distribution Flow
The pilot will assess the logistics of rice delivery from DA suppliers to retailers and then ultimately to the beneficiaries. Full implementation of this rice distribution is planned to run from June through December this year.
Dumlao also highlighted that the program’s efforts have already seen positive results. A recent Social Weather Stations survey recorded a 4.1 percent drop in hunger incidence among Walang Gutom beneficiaries. The addition of low-cost rice is expected to further strengthen these gains.
Government’s Commitment to Ending Hunger
The Walang Gutom Program is the government’s flagship anti-hunger initiative, aligning with President Marcos Jr.’s goal to eradicate hunger by 2027. Currently, the program serves 300,000 households nationwide and aims to expand to 750,000 families within the next two years.
By introducing affordable rice and continuing nutrition education, the DSWD hopes to provide more comprehensive food security support to vulnerable families. The pilot phase will be crucial in identifying challenges and improving the system before nationwide rollout.
For more news and updates on government hunger programs, visit Filipinokami.com.