MANILA, Philippines, Oct 15, (Agencies): On Thursday, Oct 13, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines took a significant step by signing Executive Order (EO) No. 44, marking the official establishment of the food stamp program as one of his top-priority initiatives.

This EO was made public on a Sunday morning, Oct 15, making the development widely known. It highlighted the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the key government body responsible for executing and overseeing social welfare development programs across the nation, thereby designating it as the lead implementing agency for the Food Stamp Program.

The EO outlined the DSWD's role in ensuring the effective implementation and expansion of the Food Stamp Program. This encompassed tasks such as identifying eligible beneficiaries and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to guarantee the efficient and timely distribution and utilization of food stamps.

In July, the program's initial pilot areas were selected, which included Tondo in Manila, Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Caraga, and Bangsamoro. The program's primary objective is to address the issue of hunger in the most economically challenged households in the Philippines. This pressing concern arises due to the persistent high food costs stemming from soaring inflation rates.

As part of the EO's directives, the DSWD is required to formulate specific regulations for the program in anticipation of the full-scale launch of food stamps, which is expected to commence in early 2024.