The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7 – Central Visayas, through the Walang Gutom Program, is currently conducting a two-week Massive Know Your Customer (KYC) Beneficiary Information Update in the provinces of Cebu and Negros Oriental.

The field office aims to update the information of nearly 3,000 beneficiaries from vulnerable sectors who applied on-demand, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and solo parents.

The majority of the target beneficiaries (2,920) reside in eight local government units (LGUs) in Cebu, while the remaining 406 reside in the Municipalities of Bacong and Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero emphasized that the activity aims to validate and update the program’s database to ensure that all beneficiary records are accurate, complete, and up-to-date.

“Maintaining a reliable database allows us to efficiently monitor beneficiary status, verify eligibility, and ensure the fair and effective distribution of assistance,” Director Lucero added.

All target beneficiaries received brochures about Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Beneficiaries also received nutrition education booklets they can use during their required nutrition education sessions, a condition of the program.

Program staff also reminded beneficiaries of the following: only the primary and secondary beneficiaries can use the EBT card on their assigned Point-of-Sale (POS) system at accredited retailers; used for reporting and submitting feedback for the Walang Gutom Program; and required for attendance at nutrition education sessions and other program conditionalities.

The EBT card functions similarly to a debit card, allowing beneficiaries to purchase approved food items while excluding non-essential products like alcohol and cigarettes. This system ensures that assistance improves nutrition and food security among the most vulnerable populations.

The Walang Gutom Program reflects the government’s commitment to providing accessible, safe, and nutritious food for all Filipinos. ###

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