A total of 1,219 beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Walang Gutom Program redeemed their food stamps at various redemption sites across the city during the June 16-17 event.

The beneficiaries came from various barangays here, with redemption sites at a mall (444), Cabagñan West (374), and the Legazpi City Convention Center (401).

On Tuesday, beneficiaries came from Barangays Kawit East Washington, Cabagñan West, Bagong Abre, Bigaa, Matanag, Bonga, Dap-Dap, Puro, Lamba, Homapon, Banquerohan, Buenavista, Cagbacong, and Bagumbayan.

On Wednesday, food redemption was made available to residents of Barangays Maoyod Poblacion, Victory Village, Sabang, Kapantawan, Bitano, Gogon, Rawis, San Joaquin, Arimbay, Estanza, Taysan, Buragwis, Mariawa, Imalnod, and Bariis.

Under the Walang Gutom Program, beneficiaries redeem their PHP3,000 food package using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at partner retailers.

Marlon Nicol, the husband of a program beneficiary, shared how the food assistance has helped meet his family’s daily nutritional needs during the food stamp distribution.

Nicol said the rice allocation lasted at his household for about a month, while the eggs and other food items provided additional support for daily meals.

“The vegetables included in the food packs contribute to healthier and more nutritious meals, especially for my children who are studying,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Rose Ann Abani from Barangay Imalnod, also expressed gratitude for the assistance she received while redeeming food packages at the convention center on Wednesday.

“The monthly food assistance helps provide our family’s needs, allowing us to allocate limited resources for my children’s school projects, transportation and daily allowances,” she said.

Abani also thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the government for the program’s continued implementation. (PNA)