HUNGER knows no boundaries. It is a relentless adversary, affecting the lives of millions across the Philippines. In Western Visayas, a the government’s Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program extends its reach to Iloilo and Antique, we applaud this effort to combat involuntary hunger in the region. But why stop here? Every province in the region deserves equal access to such transformative programs.
The Food Stamp Program is a lifeline for food-poor families, providing monthly electronic benefits of P3,000 to purchase nutritious food items. Initially focused on Negros Occidental, the program faced a shortfall in beneficiaries, prompting its extension to neighboring provinces. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), only 17,389 individuals in Negros Occidental met the stringent validation criteria, leaving over 25,000 potential slots unfilled. The decision to expand is an acknowledgement of a pressing reality: hunger exists everywhere, and its eradication requires inclusive and equitable solutions.
Western Visayas is a microcosm of the nation’s challenges in addressing food security. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveal that the poverty incidence in the region stood at 16.4% as of 2021, with provinces like Antique and Guimaras experiencing rates higher than the regional average. These figures translate into thousands of families who face involuntary hunger daily — families whose survival hinges on programs like Walang Gutom 2027.
While Iloilo and Antique are now part of the program, provinces such as Aklan, Capiz, and Guimaras still wait. Hunger statistics do not discriminate based on administrative priorities; every province grapples with families unable to meet basic nutritional needs. Neglecting these areas risks perpetuating inequalities and leaving vulnerable populations behind.
Expanding the Food Stamp Program to all provinces ensures that no family is overlooked. Equity must also guide the program’s future. While rigorous validation ensures resources reach those who need them most, the government must simplify access for eligible families. Bureaucratic hurdles can alienate potential beneficiaries, delaying much-needed assistance. A streamlined and transparent process will bridge this gap and enhance the program’s efficiency.
The truth is that hunger is not confined to Western Visayas. Data from the PSA indicate that, as of 2021, 18.1% of Filipinos nationwide lived below the poverty line. Across the Philippines, countless families endure the pain of empty stomachs. A truly unified, comprehensive strategy can transform the Food Stamp Program into a cornerstone of poverty alleviation, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development and social justice.
By expanding the Food Stamp Program, we can move closer to a future where no Filipino suffers the indignity of hunger.
