MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday told all government agencies that he does not want to see a single trace of anomalies in the government’s food stamp program, ordering them to oversee its proper execution.
The President led the launch of the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program — Caraga on Siargao Island, Surigao.
“Inaatasan ko ang mga ikinauukulang ahensya ng gobyerno na magtulungan tungo sa mas mahusay na pagpapatupad ng food stamp program na ito. Tiyakin natin na walang anumang bahid ng anumalya ang ating proyekto,” said Marcos in his speech.
(I order the concerned agencies of government to help each other towards properly implementing the food stamp program. Let us ensure that there is no trace of anomalies in our projects.)
Marcos also said that while food security is essential, the government must ensure that the food is still nutritious.
“Madalas natin pinag-uusapan na kailangan sapat ang food supply. Totoo nga naman iyon. Ngunit, hindi lamang food supply, kailangan ay masustansya rin ang mga pagkaing binibigay natin sa ating kababayan. Kaya po dito sa food stamp program, pinag-iisipan po kung ano yung pangangailangan ng bawat isa at ito po yung linalagay sa ating food stamp,” Marcos said.
(We often talk about needing enough food supply. That is true. But not just food supply; the food we give to the people must be nutritious. That is why, in this food stamp program, we have thought about what the needs of each one of you are, and that is what we put on the food stamps.)
Marcos explained that the food stamp records what the families would buy to ensure nutritious food is also included.
The beneficiaries were given P3,000 worth of food credits. Half is meant for carbohydrates, 30 percent is for protein, and 20 percent is for fruits and vegetables.
The food stamp program was from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian first floated the idea during the first weeks of his appointment to the position in May and was officially launched in July.
Gatchalian also joined the kickoff in Surigao.
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