E.B. Magalona food stamp retailers sign contract with DSWD

BACOLOD CITY—Seven retailers from the Municipality of E.B. Magalona, who will operate partner stores for the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” of the national government, signed a retailer’s contract and memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at the Asenso Hall at the Public Plaza on July 11.

The Food Stamp Program (FSP) is a flagship initiative of the national government created through Executive Order No. 44, series of 2023. It aims to reduce hunger and poverty by decreasing the incidence of involuntary hunger experienced by Filipinos from low-income households.

The program provides food credit assistance amounting to P3,000 per month through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase a select list of food commodities from eligible partner retail stores.

The contract and MOA signing ensure the accessibility and availability of nutritious food to the beneficiaries. The documents signed by the seven retailers from E.B. Magalona will be sent to the office of DSWD-6 Regional Director Atty. Carmelo Nochete for signing.

Witnessing the signing ceremonies were Municipal Budget Officer Debbie Ann Dioneo-Monte, representing Mayor Marvin Malacon, and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Emy Lyn Hibionada.

Also present were DSWD-6 Regional Program Management Office Coordinator Fabelino Bendoy Jr., Grievance Redress Officer Von Bon Tinambunan, Planning Officer Aira Aguilar, and Social Behavioral Change Officer Dizzyre Alog.

On Friday, July 12, 2024, the DSWD-6 and MSWDO will conduct another validation activity for the buffer list of FSP beneficiaries from E.B. Magalona.