Family members thank BBM for ‘Walang Gutom’ Program

By Keren Anne Bernadas

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- Lerma Sarmiento from Caramoan, Camarines Sur, used to survive on rice porridge (lugaw) and reheated leftovers just to make it through the day.

Sarmiento mentioned that both she and her husband struggled with food insecurity and livelihood challenges.

However, after receiving food stamps from the government’s “Walang Gutom” Program (WGP), her family was finally able to choose from a variety of nutritious food items at no cost.

“Dati lugaw lang po ang almusal, at yung mga tira-tirang pagkain aming niluluto uli. Ngayong may Walang Gutom stamp na po nakakain na po kami ng masusustansyang pagkain tulad ng gulay, manok, bigas at prutas,” she said.

“Malaking tulong po itong Walang Gutom food stamp ni Pangulong Marcos sa aming mga mahihirap,” she said, beaming with gratitude.

Sarmiento’s family is one of the 29,546 identified food-poor households in the Bicol region benefiting from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s food redemption initiative.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the lead implementer of the program, reported that nearly 100 percent of the targeted 29,599 households have received their monthly food stamp worth ₱3,000 from the national government.

Ken Oliver Balde, DSWD information officer for the program, said the data covers 70 localities in the region—37 municipalities in Camarines Sur, 15 in Sorsogon, and 18 in Albay—identified under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition.

This accomplishment aligns with the President’s commitment in the 2024 State of the Nation Address to eradicate involuntary hunger and ensure food security, ensuring that no Filipino family goes to bed hungry.

The monthly assistance can be used to purchase nutritious, fresh, and affordable food items at DSWD-accredited merchant stores. These items include rice, corn, noodles, bread, flour, pasta, grains, cereals, beef, pork, chicken, fish, coffee, milk, cooking oil, butter, margarine, and more.

During the launch in Camarines Sur in early August, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized the program’s role in alleviating hunger and improving the quality of life for underserved communities.

He noted that while food support is an immediate solution, the broader objective is long-term: to improve nutritional health and achieve self-sufficiency within the President’s term.

Balde said that before beneficiaries can redeem their food credits, they must participate in nutrition education sessions that cover healthy eating habits, nutritious meal planning, and proper food preparation.

“Na-realize ko po na ang Walang Gutom Program ni President Marcos ay hindi lang tungkol sa pagtiyak na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino ay may pagkain araw-araw. Nandito rin pala ito para matuto kami ng nutrisyon upang masustansya ang pagkain ng pamilya,” said Joshua Cabanes, a beneficiary from Pilar, Sorsogon.

Senior citizen John Welkie Garcia from Legazpi City expressed his appreciation for the food provided through the WGP, noting that it is suitable for elderly individuals like himself.

Welkie thanked President Marcos for his efforts to enhance the nutritional well-being and food security of Filipinos.

Discoro Ongonion, a resident of Barangay Bagsangan in Irosin, Sorsogon, shared that the food stamp program has significantly increased their food budget.

With the assistance from the food stamp, he was able to allocate part of their budget for food towards his children’s school needs.

“Malaking bagay sa amin ang food stamp na galing kay President Bongbong Marcos dahil ang dating pambili ko ng bigas, naibibigay na ngayon pangsuporta sa mga bata sa kanilang pag-aaral.”

Cristina Sarabillo from Bula, Camarines Sur, said that both her parents are living with disabilities and face limited job opportunities. She said the WGP has significantly helped her reduce household expenses. (PIA Bicol)