The “Walang Gutom” Food Voucher Program now provides ₱3,000 worth of monthly food credits via EBT cards to eligible low-income households.
Starting in 2025, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has intensified efforts to ensure food security and combat hunger across the Philippines.
What Is the “Walang Gutom” Food Voucher Program?
The Walang Gutom (Zero Hunger) initiative is a flagship electronic food stamp program offering ₱3,000 per household each month to purchase nutritious food items.
It’s part of the DSWD’s REFUEL initiative, officially approved by NEDA to reach 750,000 food‑poor households by 2027.
The program combines food aid with nutrition education and livelihood support.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility criteria include:
- Household classified as food‑poor (Listahanan/HIN)
- Monthly income below poverty thresholds (~₱9,500 for a family of five)
- Includes pilot groups like 4Ps beneficiaries, plus newly targeted households
- Expansion covers regions showing high hunger incidence, such as BARMM, Central‑South clusters
Payout Schedule & Format
Eligible households will receive ₱3,000 monthly, loaded onto EBT cards, distributed via barangays or mail. The program is operating now through 2025–2028:
| Period | Credit Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly (2025–28) | ₱3,000 per month |
EBT cards are accepted at DSWD‑accredited retailers, covering groceries like rice, protein, fruits, and vegetables.
How It Works
- Verification: Households are screened through DSWD and Listahanan
- EBT Card Issuance: Distributed via barangay or by mail
- Redemption: Shop for approved food items at accredited markets
- Support: Participants join nutrition education sessions to foster healthy eating habits
Unused credits may expire monthly, encouraging timely redemption.
Why the Program Matters
- Food security: Addresses involuntary hunger—27.2% of families reported occasional starvation
- Nutrition: Encourages balanced diets through structured food lists and educational initiatives
- Empowerment: REFUEL includes livelihood training and aims for sustainable independence
Evidence of Impact
- SWS surveys showed a 4.1 pp drop in hunger among beneficiaries from Oct–Dec 2024 vs an increase among non-recipients
- Globe-DSWD partnership helped expand reach beyond original pilot groups
- NEDA’s approval signals the scale-up in provinces lagging in food access
What You Should Do
- Find out if your household is included via barangay or DSWD
- Collect your EBT card and keep it safe
- Attend nutrition workshops to maximize benefits
- Redeem credits monthly, focusing on nutritious items
- Provide feedback to your barangay or DSWD office
The ₱3,000 monthly “Walang Gutom” vouchers offers essential food aid to hunger‑vulnerable families.
With nutrition education and livelihood support, the program promotes lasting food security. Confirm eligibility, collect your EBT card, and redeem credits monthly for healthy meals.
FAQs
Q1: Can the voucher be used for non-food items?
No. It covers only approved nutritious food items listed by DSWD.
Q2: What happens if I don’t use all credit in a month?
Unused credits expire at month-end; timely redemption is encouraged.
Q3: Will the program continue beyond 2025?
Yes. REFUEL is set to operate through July 2028, targeting 750,000 households.