DSWD welcomes drop in Filipino families experiencing hunger

PHILIPPINES – The Department of Social Welfare and Development welcomed the latest Social Weather Stations survey showing a decline in the number of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger.

The second-quarter survey found that 20.3 percent of Filipino families experienced hunger in the past three months, down by 2.9 percentage points from the 23.2 percent recorded in March.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the results indicate that government efforts to address hunger are reaching Filipino families.

“Pinapakita po nito na nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan ang mga programa at inisyatiba ng ating gobyerno laban sa kagutuman,” Dumlao said.

She cited the Walang Gutom Program and Walang Gutom Kitchen as among the government initiatives aimed at providing food assistance to families and individuals experiencing hunger.

Under the Walang Gutom Program, beneficiaries receive ₱3,000 in monthly food credits to purchase nutritious food from accredited merchants and retailers. The program currently serves around 600,000 beneficiaries.

Dumlao also cited an earlier SWS survey involving Walang Gutom beneficiaries, which showed food poverty among beneficiaries declining to 77.6 percent in June from 79 percent in March.

“For us, these results are important because they show that providing families with regular access to food can make a difference,” Dumlao said.

Meanwhile, the Walang Gutom Kitchen provides free hot meals to individuals and families experiencing involuntary hunger. The DSWD currently operates three facilities in Pasay City, Cebu City, and Zamboanga City, with plans to expand the initiative to nine more areas.

The SWS report said the decline in hunger was recorded in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, and the Visayas, while hunger increased in Mindanao.

Dumlao said the department will use the latest findings to improve its social protection programs, identify areas with the greatest needs, and ensure that government assistance remains responsive to affected families.