The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Caraga (DSWD-13) has validated 1,653 residents from Surigao del Norte as new beneficiaries under the “Walang Gutom” program, the agency announced Thursday.
In a statement, DSWD-13 said each beneficiary received PHP3,000 worth of food credits loaded onto Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards distributed during a two-day activity from Tuesday to Wednesday.
The EBT cards can be used at DSWD-identified partner merchants to purchase high-nutrition food items, which include a balanced mix of 50 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein, and 20 percent fiber.
“The Walang Gutom program aims to provide families with access to nutritious food that supports their well-being,” the DSWD-13 said.
The agency emphasized that the program is not a traditional dole-out initiative, as beneficiaries must meet specific conditions to remain eligible. These include attending monthly nutrition education sessions to promote healthy practices and learning to prepare nutritious meals.
Beneficiaries are also required to participate in government employment promotion activities, such as job fairs or skills training programs offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. (PNA)
