DBM OKs ₱6-B budget for food stamp program in 2024

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 22) — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the ₱6-billion budget for the government’s food stamp program set in July 2024, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

“We already met with the Department of Budget and Management and they committed to provide for the financial budgetary requirements of the program. Talagang may working budget na po tayo [We already have a working budget],” DSWD Undersecretary Edu Punay told reporters on Saturday.

Punay added the ₱6-billion fund is under the DSWD’s proposed budget in the General Appropriations Act of 2024, which hurdled the final reading in the House of Representatives.

The Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program aims to help a million families who belong to the lowest income bracket.

The pilot run of the program runs from July until December 2023 with 3,000 beneficiaries in Tondo, Manila; Dapa, Siargao; San Mariano, Isabela; Garchitorena, Camarines Sur; and Parang, Maguindanao.

Punay said food credits will be distributed to 300,000 beneficiaries from July to December 2024, and the DSWD will review the implementation of the program from May to June 2024.