The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office has expanded its “Walang Gutom” program by adding up 800 more families to the initiative meant to address the incidence of involuntary hunger and malnutrition.

Using an indicator and know-your-client tools, the DSWD has listed more qualified recipients to be part of the flagship of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Joshua Kempis, DSWD regional information officer, said there are 31,774 families currently registered in the “Walang Gutom” program in Eastern Visayas.

“These families will receive PHP3,000 food credits in their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which they will use for buying food supplies in DSWD-accredited retailers,” Kempis said.

All beneficiaries are required to attend nutrition education sessions for them to continue receiving food aid.

The amount inside the card will be used for buying food supplies, including PHP1,500 for carbohydrates (50 percent), PHP900 for protein (30 percent), and PHP600 for fats, oil, and other dietary fibers (20 percent).

Under the program, each family gets PHP3,000 per month on their EBT card for three years. The selection of recipients is based on household income, assets, and other factors.

The DSWD determined the list of beneficiaries through a thorough evaluation and validation process conducted by field validators during the registration and assessment phases.

The program seeks to achieve food security by addressing involuntary hunger experienced by low-income Filipino households and providing them better access to nutritious food using an EBT card.

It allows beneficiaries to buy a variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, and non-alcoholic beverages. Certain items, such as hot foods, vitamins, and household supplies, are not eligible for purchase with food stamps. (PNA)