WFP head cites Philippines food stamp program

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ food stamp program has been lauded by the World Food Program.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said the program is not only aimed at ending hunger but also addressing malnutrition in the country.

“So we love that program,” McCain told President Marcos during their meeting at Malacañang on Monday.

She was referring to the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” launched in July 2023, aimed at decreasing the incidence of involuntary hunger by improving the availability and accessibility of nutritious food for less fortunate households while helping address nutritional concerns.

“I think it’s very important that your foresight in implementing our school feeding programs can become self-sufficient in the long run,” she added.

McCain is in the country to attend high-level meetings. She also served as a keynote speaker at the Asia and the Pacific Food Security Forum 2024 hosted by the Asian Development Bank.

In October last year, Marcos issued Executive Order 44 establishing the food stamp program as a flagship program of the government.

Hunger and malnutrition incidents in the Philippines have improved through the years, Marcos said.

“Food supply is, for the most part, I would say sufficient. But what we’ve learned over the years is how to take care of ourselves. And again, especially for the kids,” he said.

Marcos aims to achieve zero hunger by the end of his term in 2028.