Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
June 26, 2024
“It is a day today filled with promise and opportunity, as we address a matter of utmost significance that affects millions of our fellow Filipinos – hunger,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed as he led the awarding rites for the 2024 Walang Gutom Awards (WGA) at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace.
In his remarks, the President said that the Philippines’ rank in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) is far from ideal, with the country scoring 14.8 or moderately hungry, which fares below the regional score of East and Southeast Asia at 8.2.
In line with this, he cited Executive Order (EO) No. 44 signed in October 2023 which established the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The program provides monetary assistance to eligible beneficiaries to purchase food commodities from partner merchant stores.
"However, even as the national government is more than willing to take the lead in helping address the problem of hunger through this program, we acknowledge that we also need to tap and partner with our local governments," he remarked.
In addition, he expressed his sincerest gratitude to the Galing Pook Foundation (GPF) and the DSWD, led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, for conceptualizing the initiative.
Recognizing the local government units (LGUs) that have been exceptional in addressing hunger in their respective communities, President Marcos Jr. bestowed the Walang Gutom Awards on 10 outstanding LGUs, consisting of two (2) winners at the barangay level, three (3) awardees at the municipality level, four (4) at the city level and one (1) at the provincial level. Each awardee receives a PhP2 million allocation from the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to support the development of their community projects.
Likewise, he acknowledged 101 LGUs, ranging from barangays to municipalities, cities and provinces that submitted applications and actively participated in this year's pilot program implementation. This also includes the 17 finalists who have been included in the prestigious list of nominees.
“You are already ‘Walang Gutom’ Champions in the hearts and minds of our people, and I hope that you will continue to sustain or even improve upon your noteworthy programs," President Marcos Jr. stated.
Moreover, the Chief Executive called upon all government officials, private sector partners, non-profit organizations (NGOs) and citizens to come together in a united effort to advocate for and work towards achieving the ‘Walang Gutom’ program, serving as a catalyst for positive change.
“Wala nang gutom — wala nang gutom na Pilipino, and that is my dream — no hungry Filipino,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his speech.
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