Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing for sustainable funding for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) ‘Walang Gutom Program’ (WGP), stressing that the government should not rely on loans to bankroll the anti-hunger initiative.

Gatchalian said the program, which aims to address poverty and hunger, should receive regular and direct appropriations under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to ensure its continuity. He noted that in the DSWD’s proposed budget for next year, only ₱1.8 billion has been allocated against its ₱26.6 billion funding requirement, with the balance expected to be covered by borrowings.

“Funding the program through NEP means we are helping our people, especially those who are hungry. Dapat pakainin natin sila gamit ang sarili nating pera,” the senator said.

The WGP targets to reach 750,000 families by 2026, an increase from 300,000 beneficiaries last year and 600,000 this year. Gatchalian emphasized that while the program is short-term, its funding should still be secured in the NEP to effectively support families until they move beyond food subsistence levels.

Photo by Mark Cayabyab/OS WIN GATCHALIAN