The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7-Central Visayas continues to strengthen its fight against hunger through the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program, as it successfully engages 102 accredited partner retailers across Cebu and Negros Oriental.

Of this number, 40 are located in Cebu, while the remaining 62 are in Negros Oriental. These retailers are serving Walang Gutom Program beneficiaries in the two provinces, helping ensure consistent access to nutritious food for food-poor or economically disadvantaged families and reinforcing the government’s commitment to food security and inclusive development across the country.

Endorsed by Other DSWD Programs

A key driver in this expansion is the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program, which aims to link community-based organizations (CBOs) to institutional markets.

Through the strong collaboration between EPAHP and the Walang Gutom Program, a total of 20 CBOs are now actively participating in the program. These CBOs, comprising local farmers and producers, directly supply food items to the beneficiaries.

Their active involvement not only strengthens the local food supply chain but also empowers grassroots communities by providing them with sustainable income opportunities and a direct role in the government’s fight against hunger. This partnership highlights the program’s inclusive approach—ensuring that both food producers and consumers benefit from the initiative.

Retail and Market Assessments

To further expand the program’s reach, the Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) of the Walang Gutom Program will soon conduct additional retail market assessments in Cebu and Negros Oriental.

These assessments aim to identify and evaluate potential or interested retailers for possible inclusion in the program. Increasing the number of partner retailers is vital in ensuring that beneficiaries have convenient access to food items, especially in geographically isolated or underserved areas, thereby enhancing the program’s overall effectiveness and coverage.

Interested applicants—whether retailers or community-based organizations—may coordinate with their respective Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs) for inquiries and application procedures.

Here are the specific requirements needed for accreditation as partner retailers of the Walang Gutom Program: Mayor’s permit (2025), Business Registration Documents from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) / Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) / Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Registration / Tax Clearance, Proof of Business Bank Account, at least one (1) year of continuous operation, and willingness to undergo training and implement the program.

Program Conditions

The Department, however, may terminate the contract of partner retailers who fail to comply with the program conditions.

These include the following: provide high-quality, safe, and affordable food and non-food items to the intended beneficiaries as outlined in the program’s guidelines; adhere to the guidelines, standards, and protocols established, including the list of acceptable products, pricing standards, and packaging requirements; ensure that all products are delivered to the beneficiaries on time, according to the scheduled distribution plans, and in compliance with the logistical framework established by the DSWD Walang Gutom Program; ensure to distribute the correct quantity of goods; shall take appropriate action to resolve any discrepancies in the distribution of the goods/commodities immediately, among others.

Beneficiaries Verified and Registered

As of May 2025, the field office has verified a total of 32,445 beneficiaries across the two provinces – 13,619 in Cebu and 18,826 in Negros Oriental. The number of beneficiaries that the retailers can cater to depends on their capacity to supply.

The Walang Gutom Program identifies beneficiaries through the Listahanan 3 Database of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction, focusing on Filipino families earning 8,739 or less per month who are not part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Beneficiaries who happen to be any of the following: active members of the 4Ps, individuals with improved well-being, barangay officials, or government employees may be delisted from the program.

Currently, 73 local government units (LGUs) are implementing the Walang Gutom Program, comprising 48 in Cebu and 25 in Negros Oriental. ###