ILOILO – Batad became the first municipality in this province to benefit from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Walang Gutom Program (WGP).
The ceremonial tapping of the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and the program’s official launch in Iloilo Province were held on Tuesday, January 14.
A total of 290 household beneficiaries received food assistance loaded onto their EBT cards, each amounting to P3,000, with an aggregate allocation of P870,000.
These households are part of 14,193 poor families or low-income households targeted across Iloilo and Antique provinces, with 10,406 beneficiaries in Iloilo and 3,787 in Antique.
DSWD assistant regional director for operations Katherine Joy Lamprea emphasized the program’s importance in addressing hunger and food security while highlighting the collaborative efforts of local government units (LGUs), stakeholders, and the community.
“The Walang Gutom Program is a symbol of hope and progress. It ensures that no child goes to bed hungry and no family is left behind,” Lamprea said.
She also underscored the government’s dedication to inclusivity and sustainability, as the program is set to benefit households across 42 towns in Iloilo, including Iloilo and Passi cities.
Mayor Elvira Alarcon expressed her gratitude to the national government and DSWD for including Batad in this initiative.
“This is a big step to ensure that no resident of Batad will go hungry. This hunger alleviation program promises to address food insecurity and ensure that vulnerable families have access to sufficient and nutritious food,” she said.
Alarcon urged beneficiaries to use the assistance wisely to enhance their family’s nutrition and well-being.
She also lauded the program’s support for local farmers by sourcing products directly from them.
“For example, the vegetables given to you [during this redemption activity] are sourced here in Batad from our local farmers, allowing us to help them as well,” Mayor Alarcon said.
DSWD has partnered with two local retailers in Batad — B&SK Sar-Sari Store and AKB Variety Store — as well as the BOMFA Variety Store, a Sustainable Livelihood Program Association, to ensure the program’s success.
The food redemption activity was facilitated by the WGP Regional Program Management Office, led by Innovations Division Chief Asuncion M. Santiago./PN
