(UPDATE) MALACAÑANG announced on Sunday the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 44, establishing the "Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program" as a flagship program of the national government.
Signed on Oct. 12, 2023, by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the order mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to implement the food stamp program.
DSWD "shall undertake the necessary steps for the successful implementation and expansion of the Food Stamp Program including, but not limited to, the identification of eligible beneficiaries and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient and timely distribution and use of food stamps," part of the circular stated.
EO 44 also tasks the DSWD to coordinate and work with other national government agencies and local government units for its implementation.
It further directs the DSWD to lay down the appropriate staffing pattern and corresponding qualification standards for the creation of additional positions necessary for the administration and operation of the Food Stamp Program and submit to the budget department, for review and approval, the proposed changes in the organization structure of the agency.
The DSWD will likewise outline the implementing rules of EO 44 30 days from its affectivity and whose funds will be sourced from its appropriations as well as that of its partner agencies.
The "Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program" is one of the major programs of the Marcos Jr. administration that aims to decrease the incidence of voluntary hunger experienced by low-income households by providing monetary-based assistance through Electronic Benefit Transfer cards that can be used in purchasing select food commodities from eligible partner merchant stores.