The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By: Virginia Rodriguez
Hunger remains one of the most painful realities for many Filipino families, especially among the poor and Indigenous Peoples in far-flung communities. Programs that directly address empty stomachs are not just acts of charity; they are investments in human dignity. This is why the continued implementation of the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), strengthened by partnerships with civil society groups like the Leave Nobody Hungry Foundation Inc., deserves public support and careful protection.
The WGP reflects a clear policy direction: no Filipino should be left behind when it comes to basic food security. Through this program, food-poor families receive P 3,000 monthly in food credits, allowing them to purchase nutritious food while supporting local producers. It is a practical approach that respects choice and promotes local economic activity.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has affirmed that the WGP is not a short-term dole-out but a bridge to stability. As Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao explained, the program aims to provide immediate relief while building long-term solutions to poverty and hunger. This dual approach is critical in a country where hunger is often linked to unemployment, isolation, and lack of access to services.
Partnerships matter in making this vision real. The collaboration with organizations such as the Leave Nobody Hungry Foundation Inc. shows how government and the private sector can work together for a common cause. These partnerships help reach marginalized communities, including Indigenous Peoples, who are often the last to receive assistance but are among the most vulnerable.
An important strength of the WGP is its whole-of-government approach. By coordinating with other agencies, the DSWD ensures that beneficiaries are not only fed today but are also connected to livelihood opportunities, health services, and education. This integration helps families become active participants in the economy rather than permanent recipients of aid.
Programs like the WGP, however, require sustained and well-managed funding. This is where the national budget becomes more than a financial document—it becomes a moral statement. Every peso allocated reflects priorities, and hunger alleviation must remain high on that list.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has repeatedly emphasized the need to scrutinize the national budget carefully before signing it into law. This careful review sends a strong message that public funds must be spent where they are most needed and where they can make the greatest impact, particularly for social protection programs.
Marcos gave the Local Government Units (LGUs) a major role in handling the budget particularly in infrastructure projects to prevent corruption which usually being utilized by lawmakers who enriched themselves.
It is also right to ensure that budget allocations are channeled properly through implementing agencies like the DSWD. Strengthening agency-led programs, rather than scattering funds across questionable insertions, helps reduce opportunities for corruption and ensures accountability in delivery.
Infrastructure development remains important, but it should not come at the expense of programs that address hunger and poverty. Roads and buildings mean little to families who cannot afford their next meal. Balanced budgeting means investing in both physical development and human survival.
The emphasis on transparency and proper allocation under the Marcos administration is a welcome step. By minimizing unnecessary insertions and ensuring that funds align with national priorities, the government can restore public trust and protect programs that directly serve the poor.
Hunger is not just a social issue; it is a governance issue. When the state, civil society, and communities work together—with integrity and shared responsibility—programs like the WGP can succeed and even expand to reach more Filipinos in need.
Ending hunger is a long journey, but it begins with firm political will, honest budgeting, and compassionate partnerships. The Walang Gutom Program, supported by responsible leadership and united action, offers hope that a nation free from involuntary hunger is not just an ideal, but an achievable goal.